1980 Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast

Community Tasting Notes (4) Avg Score: 91 points

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  9/26/2021 - GA wrote:

  9/25/21 alive and vibrant very drinkable. David Jill Greg and Mayda

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  5/20/2020 - violistus Likes this wine: 92 Points

  I didn't have high hopes for this bottle, for while the fill level was high, the label was in horrible condition and the loose cork slipped out (I used a Durand) as if a knife in hot butter. Plastic rip-cord top instead of a capsule. The cork smelled fine and the wine had no aromas of TCA.
  
  I decanted the bottle, and disappointingly, there was only a hint of sediment. It was clear at the rim, then a light old-Barolo-brown, then a dark carmine/faded ruby in the center. Remarkably, there is still vibrant bright fruit, salty dried strawberries and rich red cherry. And it's light and elegant, yet it has a slightly viscous texture in the mouth. JACKCMAC's comment below about cedar is spot-on. There's also a strong lifted and treble green note, green bell pepper and roasted jalapeños. It's tangy and sweetly rich, and was very stable and slow-opening over 2 days (vacuumed and refrigerated). There are some elegant tannins left, but it's incredibly easy to drink.
  
  I've had more than a dozen 1980 Cali Cabs over the last 3 or 4 years, and surprisingly, considering the humble origins of this wine, this was perhaps the most delicious and lively. I have no doubt that another well-stored bottle could offer a lot of pleasure now or for a few more years.

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  1/14/2017 - JackCMac Likes this wine: 90 Points

  Very subtle sweet nose. Good acidity. Brown in color. Earthy, Cedar in nose. Very pleasant. No oxidation

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  4/23/2009 - davergny wrote:

  Way over the hill. Drank one glass and dumped the rest.

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