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2022 Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship wine of Groth Vineyards & Winery, sourced exclusively from the finest blocks of the family's Oakville estate. Drawn from the gravelly, chert-rich Reserve Vineyard on the western edge of the property, it represents the pinnacle of Groth's winemaking. Despite the challenges of the warm 2022 growing season, meticulous vineyard management and careful lot selection produced a Reserve of remarkable depth, polish, and longevity. The wine is composed of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot, aged 22 months in 100% new French oak before an additional 14 months of bottle aging prior to release.

Deep ruby in the glass, the bouquet is rich and expressive, offering aromas of salted caramel, blackberry, blueberry, and dark cherry layered with bittersweet chocolate, cedar, graham cracker, dates, menthol, and subtle baking spices. The new French oak is beautifully integrated, adding notes of vanilla and toasted cocoa while preserving the purity and freshness of the fruit.

The palate is luxurious and impeccably structured, revealing concentrated flavors of tart black cherry, blackberry, brown sugar, espresso, cocoa powder, nutmeg, and crushed pepper. Fine, dusty tannins frame the dense core of fruit, while vibrant acidity keeps the wine energetic and balanced. Waves of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, cedar, and mineral notes unfold across a broad, velvety texture that speaks to both power and finesse.

The finish is exceptionally long and polished, lingering with cassis, bittersweet cocoa, sweet oak, graphite, and savory spice. Already impressive with a generous decant, its firm structure and concentration promise graceful evolution over the next two decades. Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski noted that the 2022 Reserve "looks to be even better than the terrific 2021," praising its plush texture, expansive palate, and long, velvety finish.

Overall

The 2022 Groth Reserve is a classic expression of Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, combining the richness and intensity of a warm Napa vintage with the precision and balance that have long defined Groth. Powerful yet refined, it is equally suited to a collector's cellar or a memorable dinner alongside dry-aged ribeye, grilled lamb chops, or slow-braised short ribs.