Wine of the Week: Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon

jessicamelling

Sometimes, being mediocre will get you everywhere. The Louis M.Martini Cabernet Sauvignon isn't a heavy, complex monster of a red, but an everyday-drinking, middle-of-the-road wine with obvious mass appeal. For a quick and dirty hostess gift, Christmas present or just a middle-of-the-week sipping experience, Louis Martini is pretty failsafe. Think of it as the "Two and a Half Men" of the wine world.

This Cabernet isn't overbearing in any way. Balanced out to please a range of palates, it has a fruity beginning with lots of plum and blackberry, calmed by the warmth of the alcohol. With tannins present, but subtle, it's dry, but not in that makes-you-pucker, chalky way. Lingering for a bit is the hint of molasses, which rounds out the experience with a small amount of richness. With a deep violet hue and a medium-bodied mouthfeel, it keeps you just interested enough to progress to the next sip, and to the next, until your glass is finished. And actually, that's more than we can say for "Two and a Half Men."