Louis M. Martini Winery

Louis M. Martini Winery: Historic Cabernet Sauvignon in St. Helena

Louis M. Martini Winery is a Napa Valley winery with over 90 years of winemaking, renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignons from the region's legendary vineyards. Its headquarters are in St. Helena, California, and its activity combines wine production with a program of visits, tastings, and culinary experiences in a recently restored winery.

Origin and history

The winery was founded by Louis Martini, born in Genoa, Italy. The gryphon, the traditional symbol of that city, was adopted as the house emblem and represents wisdom, courage, and leadership for the company. According to its corporate story, Louis Martini established the first bonded winery in Napa after Prohibition and was among the first to bottle vintage varietal wine. In 1936 he acquired the Monte Rosso Vineyard, recognizing the quality of its terroir before others.

Winemaking and vineyards

Production focuses on Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, with special attention to the Monte Rosso Vineyard, one of the most historic in California's mountains. Winemaker Zach Watkins defines the house's goal as crafting a collection of wines that contributes to a holistic wine experience. The winery also produces age-worthy wines and reserves from a selection of Napa Valley sites.

Wines in the catalog

The catalog analyzed includes several standout references:

• The Gryphon Cabernet Sauvignon 2023: described as a return to the classic Napa Cabernet of the 1960s and 1970s, designed for the table. The site's tech sheet mentions notes of boysenberry, dark cherry, and graphite, firm tannins, and 92 points from Vinous.
• Monte Rosso Gnarly Vine Zinfandel 2023: from century-old vines in Monte Rosso's volcanic soils, with notes of blackberry, cracked pepper, and baking spice.
• Monte Rosso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2022: mountain Cabernet with 95 points, notes of currant, blackberry, and pencil shavings, with structure for aging. The company notes that Mike Martini, grandson of the founder, championed French oak for this vineyard.
• Lot No. 1 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021: a reserve-style wine made from a selection of the best Napa Valley sites, including 30% from the Stagecoach Vineyard. It presents dark fruit, espresso, and dark chocolate, with 88% new French oak.

Winery experiences

The restored winery offers guided tastings and chef-led culinary experiences, as well as private library flights and curated vineyard visits. The site mentions the possibility of reserving tastings and events, and features an art shop. The company also sells current releases, club member-only wines, and library wines.

Wine club and membership

The membership program provides access to priority releases, service at the restored winery, and invitations to dinners, parties, and members-only events. Offerings include The Wine Club and The Select Subscription. Members can purchase wines not available to the general public.

Shipping and customer service

The winery ships with ice pack packaging all summer long to protect the wine during transport. Customer service is handled by email, phone, or web form, with specific lines for tasting room reservations, wine club, and shipping orders. There is also a phone number for inquiries about refund status.