Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2017
2017 vintage, 15% ABV, 750mL — Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2017 is a ripe, structured Sonoma Cabernet with black currant, plum, and cedar character, available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- 15% ABV, 750mL bottle, 2017 vintage
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
- Brand tasting note: "boisterous" and "assertive" — black currant, plum, crushed fennel, cedar, brambly undertones, structured lingering tannins
- Critics: 92 pts James Suckling, 90 pts Wine Enthusiast, 88 pts Wine Advocate, 88 pts Wine Spectator
Alexander Valley Cabernet From a Napa-Adjacent 2017 Vintage
Louis M. Martini has been a California Cabernet institution since 1933, and the Alexander Valley bottling is the winery's Sonoma-side flagship — a gravelly-terroir red that trades Napa's polish for brambly, rustic depth. The 2017 shows the house style at full volume: ripe black currant and plum, crushed fennel and cedar, finishing with firm, lingering tannins. Suckling found blackberries, chocolate, and light tobacco at 92 points; Wine Enthusiast scored it 90 for its smooth, rounded fruit and hearty toasted oak. Explore more red wines in this style, browse the Cabernet Sauvignon collection, or see everything from the winery at the Louis M. Martini Winery collection.
Tasting Notes
The brand's 2017 note describes a boisterous, assertive wine: ripe black currant and plum layered with crushed fennel and cedar, rich and rustic with distinct brambly undertones. Critics echo the dark-fruit core — Wine Advocate notes warm cassis, blackberry pie, and redcurrant jelly with bay leaf and a hint of crushed rock; Wine Enthusiast finds plum, currant, and dark cherry over supple tannins and toasted oak. Medium to full-bodied with a firm, rugged texture and a long, fresh finish.
How to Enjoy
Decant for 30-60 minutes and serve at 60-65°F to open up the dark fruit. Pair with grilled ribeye or lamb chops, slow-braised short ribs, or aged cheddar — the wine's tannins and brambly character stand up to rich, savory food.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 2017 Louis M. Martini Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon taste like?
The 2017 vintage shows ripe black currant, plum, crushed fennel, and cedar with brambly undertones and structured, lingering tannins — a rich, rustic expression of Alexander Valley Cabernet.
What is the alcohol content of the 2017 Louis M. Martini Alexander Valley Cabernet?
The 2017 vintage is 15% ABV, per retailer and bottle data (Wine Enthusiast's review notes "Alcohol 15%").
Where is Alexander Valley?
Alexander Valley is a Sonoma County, California AVA known for warm-climate Cabernet Sauvignon with brambly, structured character, north of and adjacent to Napa Valley.
What awards did the 2017 vintage receive?
The 2017 earned 92 points from James Suckling, 90 points from Wine Enthusiast, and 88 points each from Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator.
A benchmark Sonoma Cabernet at a cellar-worthy price — order the 2017 Louis M. Martini Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA, and have it shipped to your door.