Groth OAKVILLE Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 750ml

Expert Review – Vintage 2021

Decanter 95 Points | Fragrant aromas of black cherry, plums, wild herbs and sweet cedar meld, building a rich aromatic profile that carries through on the full-bodied palate. It is a generous wine, though quite compact and tightly wound up in its youth; it has all the characteristic Groth traits of an age-worthy Napa Cabernet. Perfectly delineated blackberry and black cherry fruit is laced with fragrant graphite minerality and dried sage nuances, violets, creme de cassis, and with some air, reveals blue fruit aromatics. A spine of firm acidity supports fine-grained chocolaty tannins. Splendid. Recently, I sampled a vertical of Groth Napa Cabernet going back to the 1982 vintage and was blown away by the elegance of the wines and how well they held up particularly the ’82, ’83, and a spate of wines in the 1990s. These are not flashy, showy wines out the gate, but they are well-built and will deliver great pleasure for decades, as I’m confident this 2021 will prove with time.

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | Rich and luscious aromas of ripe plums and blackberries sprinkled with baking spices carry into flavorful black fruits layered with oak spices. Fine-grained tannins coat the mouth, balanced by juicy acidity that freshens the palate through a long finish. Impressive persistence.

The Wine Independent 93 Points | The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, with 16% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot in the blend, is deep garnet-purple in color. It prances out with energetic notes of crushed blackberries, black cherries, and fresh blackcurrants leading to hints of camphor, licorice, and tapenade. The medium to full-bodied palate is bright and energetic, with crunchy black fruits and ripe, grainy tannins, finishing with a refreshing skip in its step.

James Suckling 92 Points | Ripe blackberries, sweet spices, crushed walnuts, cedar and wet stones. Some iodine, too. Full-bodied, firm and structured with chalky texture to the tannins and juicy acidity. Polished and even.

Winemaker Description – Vintage 2021

The 40th vintage of our Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon is a tribute to Groths co-founder, Judith Mae Groth. Judys influence on the style of Groth wines, the design of our winery and labels, our approach to hospitality and our exacting code of conduct cannot be overestimated. From the very beginning, Judy rightfully considered her role in establishing Groth Vineyards & Winery to be her most important professional achievement.

As the standard bearer of Groth Vineyards & Winery for 40 years, Judy was the very essence of beauty, grace and elegance, traits that are consistently reflected in our wines.

This deep and dense garnet-hued wine opens with macerated blackberry aromas intertwined with freshly baked graham cracker crust. Layers of complexity unfold with the addition of cocoa nibs, hibiscus tea, hints of poppy seed and an underlying presence of graphite, adding depth and sophistication. On the palate, bright and refreshing notes of sour cherry and juicy raspberry take center stage, accompanied by the depth of black currant. The inclusion of rhubarb introduces a subtle tartness that complements the sweetness of the fruit and paprika notes add a nuanced spiciness to the overall character. The tannins, initially robust, gradually melt away, leaving behind a velvety texture and finish. Director of Winegrowing Ted Henry