2018 Groth Oakcross

Groth Vineyards & Winery is a 140-acre estate in Napa Valley. It was founded in 1982 by Dennis and Judy Groth. Dennis had been a partner at Arthur Young & Co. and later a top executive at Atari, but he and Judy decided to move their family to Napa and realize their dream of becoming vintners. They bought an estate in the heart of the Oakville appellation and hired Nils Venge as winemaker. Michael Weiss became winemaker in 1994. The estate producers Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, but the star is the Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve, which generally earns compliments from reviewers. Wine Spectator called the 2005 a wine with “wonderful richness, density and focus, with tiers of smoky plum, currant, blackberry, loamy earth, sage and underbrush notes. Though firmly tannic, there's a measure of finesse and polish.”

Oakville AVA is one of the two or three most prestigious appellations in the United States. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, its 5,000 vineyard acres produce some of the world’s most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, including such California “cult” Cabs as Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate. Before those boutique producers rose to fame in the 1990s, Oakville was already renowned as home to Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Groth Vineyards, among others. Along with the famous wineries, there are premier vineyards in this AVA, including Martha’s Vineyard and To Kalon Vineyard. To Kalon was first planted in 1868 by H.W. Crabb, one of California’s first viticultural researchers, and he named the vineyard after the ancient Greek phrase for “most beautiful.” Though many grapes can be successfully grown in Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon is king. Merlot and Chardonnay are also frequently planted. Oakville Cabs are prized for their richness, complexity and weight. Oakville was designated as an AVA in 1993.