Just 4.8ha of Oakville Cabernet are designated for Groth's Reserve blocks. This blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot was aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. It spent another 14 months in bottle before being released—wonderfully rich and expressive black cherry, leather, and tobacco aromatics. Full-bodied and framed by supple, fine-grained tannins and building finesse in its dusty dried violets, rose petal florals, and dusty mineral backbone. A nice, long, pleasant finish rounds out this polished Reserve Cabernet. Certainly one for the cellar, but incredibly pleasing at the pull of the cork today.
96 points, Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter (Sep 2024)
A selection of the best lots from the winery's Oakville estate, aged in 100% new oak, Groth's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a great wine at a realistic—for Napa Valley—price. Textbook notes of cedar and vanilla gently cosset black cherries and hints of dried herbs. It's full-bodied, creamy and lush in texture, showing more concentration, tannin and length than the winery's regular Oakville Cabernet.
95 points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (Mar 2024)
Ripe and with a bit of flash thanks to its glossy toast, this red delivers a violet-accented core of cassis and plum reduction, with black licorice, sweet tobacco and singed alder notes. Solid and steady through the lengthy, polished finish, with a hint of flinty minerality lurking in the background. Drink now through 2040. 3,100 cases made.
95 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Oct 2024)
The 2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, with 2% Merlot in the blend, is deep garnet-purple in color. Scents of creme de cassis, plum preserves, and boysenberry slowly emerge from the glass, revealing underlying hints of tar, rose oil, and cast-iron pan. The full-bodied palate is laden with expressive black fruit preserves flavors with earthy accents and a firm frame of ripe, grainy tannins, finishing long and fragrant.
95 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Dec 2023)
A much smaller production release, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve checks in as 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot that was brought up all in new barrels. Its dense purple hue is followed by a ripe, concentrated, medium to full-bodied wine with lots of blackcurrant and plum fruit, some smoky herb, graphite, and chocolate notes, ripe, focusing tannins, and good mid-palate depth. As with many 2021s, the cellar will be your friend. Give bottles 2-4 years and enjoy over the following two decades.
94+ points, Jeb Dunnuck (Dec 2023)
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is absolutely gorgeous. Bright acids give the 2021 striking energy to match its understated, mid-weight personality. Dark red cherry, rose petal, blood orange and spice open first, driven by beams of supporting tannin that confer energy. Winemaker Ted Henry crafted a Reserve that melds old school classicism with contemporary polish.
94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Dec 2023)
Generous and approachable, with the structure to serve a meal beautifully. This wine features flavors of ripe blackberries, cocoa, juicy plums and cloves. Tannins are just grippy enough to keep the wine palate cleansing. It is flavorful enough to enjoy on its own.
94 points, Elaine Chukan Brown, Wine Enthusiast (Jul 2024)
Refined, textured and harmonious, with controlled power and poise throughout. It’s full-bodied with fine tannins and a velvety texture on the center palate. Subtle aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, raw chocolate, dried thyme, pebbles and baking spices mingle on the nose. Velvety, restrained and polished in the long finish. Try from 2025.
94 points, James Suckling (Mar 2024)
Top Quality Store
