Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

This prestigious red wine originates from the Oakville AVA within the Napa Valley in California, United States. Groth Vineyards & Winery was founded in 1981 by Dennis and Judy Groth, and the estate achieved historic acclaim when its 1985 Reserve became the first California wine to receive a perfect 100 point score from Robert Parker. The winery's philosophy is centred on 'site-specific' viticulture, with the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon sourced exclusively from specific blocks of the family's 121-acre estate, where the gravelly, well-drained soils of the Oakville Cross Road provide the ideal conditions for structured and age-worthy wines.

Wine Description

The Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 presents a deep, saturated garnet colour. The sensory profile is intense and multi-layered, featuring an expressive nose of black cherry, dark plum, and blackberry, accented by sophisticated notes of vanilla, toasted oak, and savoury dried herbs. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and powerful, showcasing a lush texture with firm, well-integrated tannins and a balanced acidity that provides excellent lift. It is characterized by its remarkable structural elegance and a long, seamless finish that reveals hints of cocoa, espresso, and sweet spice. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon has an ABV of 14.8% and was aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak barrels.

Vintage Quality

The 2018 vintage in Napa Valley is widely regarded as a 'dream' year, characterized by a long, steady growing season with moderate temperatures and no major heat spikes. These near-perfect conditions allowed for extended hang times, resulting in fruit with exceptional phenolic ripeness, deep colour, and a refined structural balance. Winemakers benefited from a tranquil harvest period that produced one of the highest-quality crops in recent decades, noted for its 'classical' style and tremendous aging potential.