Groth Vineyards & Winery Cabernet sauvignon/2016

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon

Geographical Attributes

Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth. The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture. Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.

Vintner Notes

The alluring dense, dark plum color of the 2016 Oakville Cabernet is the first indication of the rich extraction in this wine. Sweet aromas of blackberry tart, ripe plums, and marzipan are complemented with a savory hint of toasted coriander seed. The palate opens smoothly, building to a rich, full mouthfeel — the young tannins hinting at a restrained power. A beautifully balanced acidity dances throughout — giving an undercurrent of freshness and a counterpoint to the sweetness of the new French oak, lifting the dark fruits and bringing forward ripe red berries. The finish is layered with baking spices, wild blackberries, and a hint of dried black currant.

Ratings

Wine Spectator 92.A hint of singed savory leads off, turning quickly to a core of raspberry and mulberry fruit, lined with alluring tea, sanguine and iron notes. Offers fine-grained grip and should unwind nicely in the cellar. Drink now through 2030. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. Wine Enthusiast 93.Blended with 9% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, this Cabernet opens with earthy aromas of tar, sage and cedar. It expands on the palate to show an elegant structure of finessed, supple tannins alongside layers of clove and cinnamon atop ripe red and black berries. James Suckling 92.A very plush and ripe, forthright style with abundant ripe plum and berry aromas, leading to a berry-flavored palate, laced with dark chocolate and vanilla.