Louis M. Martini The Gryphon Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Louis M. Martini The Gryphon Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Napa Valley, California | 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 4% Malbec

Classic, expressive and beautifully structured, Louis M. Martini The Gryphon Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 represents a fresh direction for one of Napa Valley's historic wineries. Sourced from some of the region's most coveted vineyards, with an emphasis on southern Napa, this wine combines concentrated Cabernet fruit with freshness, energy and refined tannins.

The nose opens with juicy boysenberry, blackberry, black cherry and cassis, complemented by aromas of dried mint, fennel, jasmine and baking spices. On the palate, layers of dark fruit unfold alongside notes of spearmint, cocoa, graphite and subtle espresso. Medium- to full-bodied and plush, it has beautifully integrated tannins, lively acidity and a long, polished finish.

Critic Scores

97 Points — Decanter

Decanter praises its combination of dark fruit, red cherry, plum, graphite and firm, refined tannins. James Suckling highlights its luxurious black-cherry and blueberry fruit, cassis, spearmint and cocoa.

What Makes It Special?

The Gryphon represents an exciting evolution for Louis M. Martini: a return to the classic Napa Cabernet style of the 1960s and 1970s, emphasizing varietal character, freshness and elegance rather than sheer power.

The fruit comes from premier vineyards throughout Napa Valley, with approximately two-thirds of the blend sourced from southern Napa, 22% from mountain sites and 10% from Calistoga. This combination of vineyard sources contributes complexity, structure and freshness.

An interesting detail: the Gryphon is the traditional symbol of Genoa, Italy, the birthplace of Louis M. Martini. The three sections of the mythical creature's tail represent the three generations of the Martini family who helped establish the winery's Napa Valley legacy.

The 2023 Vintage

The 2023 vintage showcases beautifully expressive fruit, aromatic freshness and polished structure. The wine's balance of concentration and acidity makes it enjoyable with food while also offering the structure to develop further in the bottle.

Winemaking

The Gryphon is produced in the same small-lot winemaking facility used for the winery's prestigious Lot No. 1 Cabernet Sauvignon. The blend brings together Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec, adding aromatic complexity, texture and depth.

The winery's approach emphasizes careful vineyard selection and preserving the freshness and character of the individual grape varieties.

Wine Details

• Producer: Louis M. Martini

• Wine: The Gryphon Cabernet Sauvignon

• Vintage: 2023

• Appellation: Napa Valley

• Region: California, USA

• Blend: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 4% Malbec

• Alcohol: 14.2%

• pH: 3.70

• Titratable Acidity: 5.9 g/L

• Production: Approximately 5,932 cases

• Serving Temperature: 60–64°F (16–18°C)

• Decanting: Approximately 20–30 minutes recommended

Perfect With

Grilled ribeye, filet mignon, roasted lamb, braised short ribs, beef tenderloin, grilled pork, wild mushrooms and aged cheeses. Its balance of dark fruit, freshness and savory character also makes it an excellent match for herb-crusted meats and dishes featuring rosemary, thyme and black pepper.