Ron Siegel

9.3

Nice drinking Barolo with cherry, berry, plum fruit, lots of spice, dried herbs & floral notes — 3 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

Napa Pioneer Tasting! #respect
Happy Birthday to me.
All of these wines still improved with some air. — 11 days ago

Chris MacLean

9.0

Almost as good as the 2021 — 25 days ago

with Sarah

Ravinder Singh

8.9

Dinner at home 3/13/2025 — a month ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

What were you doing in 1970? It’s what I always think of when I have a very elderly wine. It also is the question I ask friends I share older wine.

Some 1970 highlights. The number one song was Simon & Garfunkel’s, “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The President of the United States was Richard M Nixon and one of the kindest friends I have known was born. Last but not least, the Napa Valley was just beginning to rise. Louis Martini was one of those pioneers!

This bottle has survived & flourished over those 55 years and is a fine piece of history.

Many would say this is past its prime and they wouldn’t necessarily be wrong. But I am one who appreciates wine on its still solid downslope. While on its decent, this bottling still shows nice fruit, complexity and elegance that just can’t be mistaken for good young wine w/ a long decant.

The nose shows a fig & date quality. Older, brambly; blackberries, black raspberry reduction, sweet & sour cherries, that slide into liquor, baked rhubarb, slightly overripe strawberries. Soft sandalwood w/ dry cedar tones, undertones of rusted metal, dry soil & crushed limestone, vanillin, very dry twig, old, slightly used tobacco, reminisce of dark spices, tomato leaf, sun tea, dry & withering dark & red flowers, understated violets w/ a sprinkle of potpourri.

The palate is still fresh & ripe; older, brambly, blackberries, black raspberry reduction, sweet & sour cherries that slide into liquor, baked rhubarb, slightly overripe strawberries, figs & dates. Soft sandalwood w/ dry cedar tones, undertones of rusted metal, dusty top soil & limestone gravel, dry river stone, crumbled, grey volcanics, cherry cola, vanillin, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, clove, very dry twig, old, slightly used tobacco, dark spices still w/ soft but impactful palate backbone, tomato leaf, sweetened sun tea w/ a spritz of lemon, dry & withering dark & red flowers, understated violets w/ a sprinkle of potpourri, excellent rainfall acidity with an elegant, round, balanced, well knitted, still tensioned, polished finish that falls on sandalwood, earth and spice that lasts 90 seconds.

12% ABV which I have said many times is my strong preference like w/ all amazing Clarets. I wish it had never changed. 92 on the wine, but a perfect 10 on the history scale. — 20 days ago

Kristen Grimes

9.3

Rich black cherry aromas, juicy on the palate with soft acidity and soft tannins, a round and pleasing feel that's super drinkable. I take back my comment about not really liking any Italian wine!! — 2 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Napa Pioneer Tasting! #respect
Happy Birthday to me.
All of these wines still improved with some air. — 11 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.3

Enjoyed the elegant & floral style with its tart cherry, berry fruit, spice & floral notes. Kept developing in the glass — a month ago

Monique Blanchard

9.4

Great nose. Smooth throughout — a month ago

Bob McDonald

8.9

Mid cherry red in colour - translucent in parts. Red fruits of raspberry and strawberry with peppery notes. Good value at $47AUD. Slightly bitter at the end - a great food wine as expected. — 2 months ago