The palate is all about cherries, too, but it's red cherry rather than black. The oak is definitely there, but it isn't overpowering like in so many California cabs. I think my favorite aspect of this wine is the mouthfeel. It's rich as rich as Richard Grasso and as smooth as his bald head. The finish is a bit tart thanks in part (hey, that rhymes!) to good acidity, which also makes this a good food wine (meaning it pairs well with food -- not meaning you should drink it instead of eating food).

This isn't an amazing wine, but just about any descent California cabernet sauvignon for just $10 is pretty amazing. I would definitely call this red better than decent, and that couldn't have been said of a lot of Louis Martini's offerings of late.

Let's hope it's a sign of Louis Martini's day coming back to the future. As long as that Huey Lewis song "Back in Time" doesn't come along with it.

Cheers,
TSW

* - WoW's Party Wine designation is given to a wine that you can bring to a party, and it it'll make you look good, but you won't be devastated if you don't get any.

** - If you're unsure of what constitutes "mad props," consult your local 17-year-old.

The American football season has really just started, but my team is already displaying an impressive level of mediocrity. They aren't god-awful, but not an inspired or inspiring bunch, either. This is particularly disappointing considering they have a legacy of kicking serious butt (or at least not sucking), and I know they have the talent to do so much better.

As of late I feel like the same could be said of Louis Martini. The winery has a history in Napa long enough to earn mad props**, and has made some truly remarkable wines in its day.

The problem is that, whenever "its day" was, it doesn't seem to have been any time recently.

Luckily, this 2000 cabernet sauvignon is a blast from the past, or maybe (hopefully) a glimpse of the future.

It's definitely a modern-style California cab. The color is good and dark, and even the nose has that strong, extracted fruit scent (very heavy on the cherry), a nice dose of oak, and a touch of eucalyptus.