From Sparrow’s red wine by the bottle list, the Martis Cabernet 2022 is a bold, fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alexander Valley in Sonoma County, California ($84 by the bottle). It is a crowd-pleasing California red that drinks well above its price, a favorite for an easy Eastside night out.
About Martis Cabernet
Martis Wines makes Cabernet from the Alexander Valley, one of the warmer, Cabernet-friendly corners of Sonoma County. This 2022 is described as the highest rated vintage yet from Martis, and it draws its fruit primarily from the historic Barrelli Creek Vineyard. That vineyard has deep roots, with vines first planted on the site back in 1881 by the Italian Swiss agricultural colony that helped settle the region. The northern end of the Alexander Valley sits largely sheltered from the cool marine air, so the vines enjoy long, warm days and cool morning and evening fog, a combination that ripens Cabernet fully while keeping it fresh. The wine rests in 100% American oak, which gives it a generous, rounded character.
Tasting Notes
The menu calls out a bold dark fruit presence with well integrated oak from resting in 100% American oak. Expect a ripe, generous Cabernet, full of dark berry and black cherry fruit, with the sweet vanilla and baking-spice notes that American oak tends to bring. It is plush and approachable, the kind of red that is easy to enjoy on its own or with a hearty plate.
What to Pair It With
This is a friendly steak-and-burger red. From the Sparrow dinner menu, pour it with the Wagyu Sliders, one of the American Wagyu steaks, or the Italian Sausage Fresh Rigatoni. Its ripe fruit also stands up nicely to the Eggplant Parmigiana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Martis Cabernet from?
Martis Cabernet is from the Alexander Valley in Sonoma County, California. The 2022 vintage draws its grapes primarily from the historic Barrelli Creek Vineyard, where vines were first planted in 1881.
How much is Martis Cabernet at Sparrow?
Martis Cabernet is $84 by the bottle at Sparrow in Kirkland, on our red wine by the bottle list.
How is Martis Cabernet aged?
This Martis Cabernet rests in 100% American oak, which gives it bold dark fruit and well integrated, rounded oak character.
Find it on the Sparrow beverages menu near the Stanley Groovy Cabernet and the Antica Cabernet. We are in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside, so reserve a table and come give it a try.