Product Overview
Winery's Notes
"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.
Sourced from premier vineyards across Napa Valley and made in the same small lot production facility used for Lot No. 1, The Gryphon is a distinct and distinguished perspective on Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, past and present.
The Gryphon Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to our dedication to quality and craftsmanship. Upon pouring, you'll be greeted by a deep, garnet hue that hints at the wine's richness. The nose reveals an enticing bouquet of dark fruits, including black cherries, red currant, star anise and dried bay leaf, intertwined with subtle notes of cocoa and toasted oak.
On the palate, The Gryphon unfolds with layers of complexity. You'll experience a harmonious blend of black cherry, cassis, and dark chocolate, complemented by well-integrated tannins and a touch of spice. The wine's full body and velvety texture lead to a long, satisfying finish, marked by a lingering note of toasted oak and a touch of minerality."
Varietal Composition: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, 2% Malbec
Appellation: Napa Valley AVA
Aging: 19 months in French oak, 55% new
Winemaker: Zach Watkins
93 Points - Wine Spectator
"A solidly built version, offering a core of black currant paste wrapped in dark tobacco and warm loam. Solidly grippy, with a touch of smoldering alder on the toasty finish. Drink now through 2036. 3,600 cases made." -JM, 11/15/25
92 Points - Vinous
"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." -AG, Dec/2024
90 Points - Wine Advocate
"Released in February 2025, Martini's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon The Gryphon draws its fruit largely from southern Napa, blending 91% Cabernet Sauvignon with 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot and 2% Malbec. Understated and restrained, it's gently fragrant, with floral hints accompanying cassis and blackberries on the nose, while the palate is medium- to full-bodied, silky and streamlined, the finish defined by fine-grained tannins and a fine sense of balance." -JC, 6/12/25
