![Louis Martini "The Gryphon" Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (Napa Valley, California) - [TP 96] [JS 95] [DM 94] [VM 92]](http://artisan.wine/cdn/shop/files/LMN_GrypCabeSauv_v21_750_frontupd_210095408-copy_{width}x.jpg?v=1738172773)
Louis Martini "The Gryphon" Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
(Napa Valley, California) - [TP 96] [JS 95] [DM 94] [VM 92]
Regular price $90.00 Sale price $84.97 Save $5.03
About the Winery:
Louis M. Martini chose Napa Valley for a single, simple reason, its unmatched grape quality. Over the decades, the Martini family pushed the art and science of grape growing and winemaking into uncharted territories, making wines that not only defined Napa, but set a standard for quality and age-ability that has since become synonymous with the region.
The gryphon is the traditional symbol of the town of Genoa, Italy, the birthplace of Louis Martini and where he set sail from the port in 1899 at the young age of 12 to join his father in America. Today, The Gryphon represents the journey Louis M. Martini embarked on to the Napa Valley, where his family would become established Cabernet Sauvignon icons. The three sections of the gryphon’s tail represent the three generations of Martinis who have built the legacy of the brand over the past 90+ years: Louis M., Louis P., and Mike.
The Gryphon is six years in the making. It is the first glimpse of Louis M. Martini’s evolution; a return to the classic Napa Cabernet of the 1960s and 1970s, with varietal character, energy and liveliness. A wine that has been designed for the table.
Technical Data:
Appellation: Napa Valley
Varietal Content: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot and 2% Malbec
Alcohol Content: 14.8%
pH: 3.69
Titratable Acidity: 0.61g/100mL
Ratings & Reviews
96 Points - The Tasting Panel, Somm Journal:
"This is the winery’s debut release, a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon with 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, and 2% Malbec, sourced primarily from southern Napa Valley between Coombsville and Atlas Peak. Winemaker Zach Watkins has been leading “a very intentional effort to turn the ship back to Martini’s roots—to that classic Napa style.” This food-friendly red offers up dusty dark chocolate-lined tannins, alluring and opulent. Round and generous, with a harmony of oak, acid, and savory umami, for a world-class style." (July/August 2025)
95 Points - James Suckling:
"The winery's new flagship red, Gryphon, is a full-bodied, layered and sophisticated wine that's elegant yet well structured in tannins. It offers flower, iron and sage aromas, then focused black cherries, blueberries, spearmint and handsome oak spices on the palate. The cabernet sauvignon grapes are blended with 4% cabernet franc, 3% merlot and 2% malbec. Drink now or hold." (May 2025)
94 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Super perfumed and fresh, this wine opens with lovely sweet baking spice, high-toned dusty minerality, and notes of mocha and bay laurel. The palate is super creamy, showcasing dark-toned fruit, red cherry, and plum, with layers of graphite and firm, taut tannins that grip the sides of the palate like a great Barolo. The structure is sound, balancing freshness with excellent fruit depth and mid-palate weight. The finish lingers with loamy earth and mineral complexity, adding further dimension. Aged for 19 months in barrique, 55% new oak, this wine is primarily sourced from the southern reaches of Napa Valley, with a touch of mountain fruit layering in additional texture and grip. This is the inaugural vintage of this wine and a watershed moment in the winery’s history, marking a shift as production levels have decreased dramatically. This will be the estate's flagship red, sourced from longtime growers and estate fruit – one to watch." - Jonathan Cristaldi (Feb 2025)
92 Points - Vinous Media:
"The Cabernet Sauvignon The Gryphon is a new wine from Louis M. Martini. Intended as more of an entry-level offering, it offers fine quality and value for Napa Valley. The Gryphon is a blend from several top sites. Dark red cherry, plum, gravel, spice and rose petal open with air. Pretty savory and mineral accents punctuate the finish. This is very nicely done." - Antonio Galloni (Dec 2024)