By Louis M. Martini
Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

About the Vineyard
The Monte Rosso Vineyard rolls across a steep, rugged terrain in the majestic Mayacamas Mountains, nearly 1,300 feet above the Sonoma Valley. Owned by the Louis M. Martini Winery since 1938, it is named for its rich, red volcanic soils and has produced award-winning wines for three generations. The vineyard's mix of high altitude, position above the fog line, low-yielding vines, and ideal western exposure produces wines with a unique sense of terroir. Monte Rosso is one of California's most prized locations for wine grapes.

Technical Details
Region: Sonoma County
Appellation: Sonoma Valley
[Information provided by Louis M. Martini]

Wine: Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley Monte Rosso 2016
Score/Rating: 97
Review Date: 01/10/2020
Reviewed By: James Suckling
Tasting Notes:This is a reserved and tight Monte Rosso with bark and currant character. Wet earth. Full-bodied, balanced and extremely long. Fantastic, subtle finish. Reminds me of old Louis Martini Mountain Cabs. [...]

Wine: 2016 Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Rosso Vineyard
Score/Rating: 95+
Suggested Drinking Window: 2020 - 2048
Review Date: 04/09/2020
Reviewed By: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Tasting Notes: Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Rosso Vineyard comes galloping out of the glass with notes of creme de cassis, warm plums, cast-iron pan and bouquet garni, plus touches of lavender and olives. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is chock-full of muscular fruit, framed by firm, grainy tannins, finishing with an herbal lift.

Wine: Louis M Martini, Monte Rosso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, California, 2016
Score/Rating: 94
Suggested Drinking Window: 2022 - 2038
Review Date: 01/09/2022
Reviewed By: Clare Tooley MW
Tasting Notes: Aromas rise of freshly picked strawberries quickly evolve to fennel and roasted root vegetables - a hint of evolution. The flavours are immensely appealing, the fruit turning savoury, ripe, robust and lingering, coating and capturing your mouth. Tannins are sinewy and integrated, beginning to resolve. Extremely long, appetising and satisfying; a very elegant and complete wine.

Wine: Louis M. Martini 2016 Monte Rosso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma Valley)
Score/Rating: 94 - Cellar Selection
Suggested Drinking Window: 2026 - 2031
Review Date: 12/01/2020
Reviewed By: Virginie Boone
Tasting Notes: Sumptuous, integrated and softly layered, this blockbuster wine from the historic site is intriguing in iron and crushed rock. The fruit is black and brambly - a mix of cherry, berry and currant dusted in cocoa powder. This will do well in the cellar. Enjoy from 2026-2031.

Wine: Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley Monte Rosso Vineyard 2016
Score/Rating: 94
Suggested Drinking Window: Drink now through 2038
Review Date: 11/15/2020
Reviewed By: James Molesworth
Tasting Notes: Ripe plum and blackberry puree flavors form the core of this red, which expands steadily with air in the glass. Along the way, notes of sage, red tea and licorice root develop, adding range and depth. Underneath is a well-embedded bolt of iron that supports everything and will likely take on a more obvious role in time. Best from 2022 through 2038.

Wine: Louis M. Martini 2016 Sonoma Valley Monte Rosso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Score/Rating: 92
Review Date: 12/2020
Reviewed By: J.G.
Tasting Notes: Dark scents of licorice infuse this silken red from the red volcanic soils of Monte Rosso, the historic vineyard on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas Mountains, a property the Martini family has farmed since 1938. The wine is warmed by alcohol, even as it feels refreshing and completely filled by volumes of fruit. The tannins are racy, with a mineral crush of plum skins and a dark earthy savor that lasts. Still youthful, this will benefit from five or six years of bottle age.