Louis Martini founded the winery that bears his name in 1933, shortly after the repeal of Prohibition. Before this, he had established L.M. Martini Grape Products Company in 1922, producing sacramental wine and grape juice concentrate when making and selling wine was illegal. With the repeal anticipated, Martini prepared to create a winery in Napa, ready to seize the moment. By 1938, he had acquired the Monte Rosso vineyard in Sonoma. The winemaking legacy continued with his son Louis P. and then Louis P’s son Mike Martino. The winery was sold to Gallo in 2002.
The Louis M Martini Monte Rosso Vineyard Gnarly Vine Zinfandel 2018 is noteworthy, boasting an alcohol content of 16%. It hails from a historic vineyard in the Mayacamas Mountains, planted in 1893. This wine is bold and seamless, offering ripe, smooth flavors complemented by soft tannins. A medley of lush cherry and berry fruits reveals nuances of cured meat and iodine. The result is an aromatic and sweetly fruited experience, marked by a smooth and finely textured palate, resulting in a remarkable score of 92/100, priced at £70 at Majestic or £60 if purchased in a six-pack.
For more information, visit Louis Martini’s official website.