GROTH
OAKVILLE, NAPA, CALIFORNIA 2021
Why Buy: Just 12 acres of carefully-tended reserve blocks in Oakville (Napa’s premier plot of real estate) provide the grapes for this enveloping, supple, throwback 96-pointer (Decanter). They don't make 'em like this anymore, folks, truly — not with this degree of old-school, Old World soulfulness and character. A treasure.
What They're Saying: Decanter praised it as "wonderfully rich and expressive," with "supple, fine-grained tannins and building finesse in its dusty dried violets, rose petal florals, and dusty mineral backbone.” The 96-point love letter ends with particular enthusiasm for its "nice, long, pleasant finish," noting that it's “certainly one for the cellar, but incredibly pleasing at the pull of the cork today."
Our Tasting Notes: This is Oakville terroir in a glass – a wine of impressive concentration that never sacrifices finesse for power. The nose opens with layers of dark fruit, cocoa, and that characteristic Oakville dustiness. On the palate, blackberry and cassis notes mingle with subtle hints of cedar and dried herbs. What struck us most, in our recent tasting, is how the wine unfolds — slowly but surely, revealing new dimensions, colorations, subtle nuances along the way. The tannins are already beautifully integrated, suggesting both immediate pleasure and long-term aging potential.
The Story: The Groth family's journey in Napa Valley began in 1981 when Dennis and Judy Groth purchased 121 acres in Oakville. Their timing couldn't have been better – this was just before Oakville emerged as Napa's premier Cabernet region. In 1985, they made history when Robert Parker awarded their 1985 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon a perfect 100 points – the first Napa wine to achieve this distinction. The family's dedication to quality is evident in their approach to the Reserve program. Rather than simply selecting the best barrels after fermentation, they designate specific blocks within their Oakville estate exclusively for the Reserve. These blocks, chosen for their exceptional drainage and exposure, consistently produce fruit of remarkable concentration and complexity.
The Specs: This Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend (with a small percentage of Merlot for rounding and softening) spent 22 months in 100% new French oak, followed by 14 months of bottle aging before release. The extended aging regime allows the wine to integrate fully while developing additional layers of complexity.
What to Pair It With: For all its nuance and detailing, this is a crowd-pleaser of a red, and will pair beautifully with a range of dishes: a rack of lamb; a thick and juicy grilled steak; even – yes – bacon cheeseburgers.
Fun Fact: The Groths are the makers of Napa's first 100-point wine.
Our Guarantee: Remember, friends – we always buy direct and we only source direct, so you can rest assured that your wine will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2025. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, KY, MI, NY & TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Wednesday, October 30th, 2024.