2023 Martis Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley - 750 ML

Martis focuses on Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, with its flagship bottling drawn primarily from the historic Barrelli Creek Vineyard. The warm northern Alexander Valley setting gives the 2023 ample dark-fruited concentration, while the wine retains the acidity and firm structure that keep its richness in balance.

Blend: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petite Sirah, 5% Zinfandel.

Tasting Notes: Black cherry, dark plum and blackberry lead, joined by violet, cocoa, licorice and savory spice. The palate is generous but structured, with juicy acidity, earthy depth and touches of graphite, black pepper and floral character carrying through the finish.

Structure: Full-bodied and concentrated, with firm tannins and enough freshness to keep the ripe Alexander Valley fruit focused. There is plenty of immediate generosity, but the structural backbone gives the wine useful short- to mid-term cellaring potential.

Drink Window: 2026–2034. Enjoyable now with aeration, with several years ahead for the tannins and dark fruit to integrate further.

Decanting: Give the 2023 approximately 45–60 minutes in a decanter before serving. The aeration should soften its youthful tannic profile and bring greater definition to the fruit, spice and savory elements.

A polished, confidently styled Alexander Valley Cabernet that delivers both richness and structure, making it particularly well suited to grilled steak, braised short ribs or roast lamb. Its combination of ripe Sonoma fruit, firm Cabernet structure and a strong 92-point showing makes it an appealing bottle for the dinner table now, with enough substance to hold in the cellar for several years.