For years I have enjoyed tasting at Groth in their beautiful patio area amongst the vineyards. One of Napa’s historic wineries, Groth Vineyards was founded in 1982 by Judy and Dennis Groth. Prior to starting their winery they found financial success while working for Ernst and Young in the South Bay. Dennis became chief financial officer at Atari and in 1981 they both purchased a large 121 acre parcel of land in Oakville back in m / 1982. These vineyards are on the floor of Napa, right in the prime area for growing beautiful Chardonnay, and Bordeaux varietals. Today, second-generation family member Suzanne Groth leads the business. New winemaker Ted Henry has an impressive resume which includes former stints at jJarvis Estate and Clos du Val. He is making some really beautiful wines. I was so impressed with the 2020 wines and the wines made in 2021 are seriously good.
Check out the beautiful 2023 Groth Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 93) which is dense and fresh with a smooth texture and nutty nuances from the 11% Semillon blended in. I adored the 2021 Groth ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) which is amongst the finest editions of this wine that I have ever tasted. Learn more about this great historic winery at https://www.grothwines.com Here are the fantastic new bottling by Groth.
2023 Groth ‘Estate’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2023 ‘Estate’ Sauvignon Blanc is an outstanding new wine made from this wine made with great conditions at harvest. The wine has 11% Semillon blended in as this was entirely aged in neutral oak barrels before bottling. Kiwi, gooseberry and shades of cantaloupe all combine on the palate, with nutty accents and beautiful underlying tension. This is seriously good stuff that is one of the finest editions of this wine that I have tasted. Drink 2024-2031- 93
2021 Groth ‘Oakcross’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Oakcross’ was named after Groth’s Oakville Estate that was first planted back in 1973. This edition has considerably less Cabernet Sauvignon than the 2020 bottling —as the 2021 is a silky combination of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 34% Merlot and the remainder Petit Verdot. Violets, tar and espresso grounds mark the nose alongside dense dark fruits. The palate is bright and beautifully textured, with fantastic verve and underlying tension and weight. Everything is in clockwork balance here. Enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2024-2039- 94
2021 Groth Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Groth Cabernet Sauvignon is an outstanding new wine that is now in its 40th edition. combines 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Merlot and a dash of Petit Verdot. Stored in 50% new French oak, this delivers good richness with loganberry and black currants that parade with stony minerals, coffee ground and shades of graphite on the palate, with loamy soil accents. Delicious now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2024-2039- 93
2021 Groth ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 ‘Reserve’ is a stunning new bottling by Groth that shows off its brooding core in the glass. On the nose this takes on layers of dark and blue fruits that mingle well with wet stone, freshly tilled damp soils and suggestions of violets. The palate is dazzling and dense as this effortless glides throughout the drinking experience. Truly delicious now in its heady youth, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next two decades. Drink 2024-2044- 97