Louis M. Martini

My favorite cabernet Sauvignon is Louis M. Martini. Louis M. Martini specializes in cabernet and the wine is medium-full bodied with delicate layers, none of which are overpowering but blend into each other. The wine has a spicy side and a smooth side (think Justin Timberlake meets Tony Bennett... or Angelina Joli meets Liv Tyler...)

I was introduced to this label by a friend of mine in Sacramento whose roommate worked at a restaurant and had connections to a cheap CASE of this...and it was well worth buying the case. But if you're going to go traditional retail, Louis M. isn't pricey, usually ranging from $12-17 depending on where you go.

The downside? It won't last long. If you're just popping open a bottle for a single glass for yourself, don't do it. Wait until you can finish the bottle in one or two nights cause it doesn't sit well long. If you need a single serving every now and again, I would suggest Two Buck Chuck. If you have to waste it, it won't be a huge loss and it sits well. I opened a bottle of Merlot about a week ago and it's still going strong... well, maybe not strong but it's still going.