I’ve done numerous wine reviews for which the background involved a family-run winery passed down from one generation to the next, but this one is a little different.  The roots of Martellotto Wines go back for generations and began in Italy, but the story now continues in California.

Greg Martellotto’s grandfather immigrated to the US in 1909 and brought traditional wine making techniques with him.  Today, Greg continues those traditions in California with a winery focused on the vineyard first, employing sustainable agriculture techniques.

I really dig this wine.  It has great intensity on the nose, with black pepper, black cherry, blackberry, camp fire and mushroom… obviously, exceptional complexity.  The palate brings plenty of black cherry, black raspberry and cassis flavor, as well as some black pepper adding some spice to the finish.  It has the structure to age for a few years, but why wait when it’s good to drink now.

This is a great wine, 90 points!

Wine: Martellotto Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2006
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 90
Price: $18.00

Find Martellotto Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon with Snooth

Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.