Mission Codename Little big brother
When we landed the rare opportunity to feature the mythical Groth Reserve, an equal opportunity of experiencing the same vintage of their workhorse Oakville Cabernet was hard to pass. Low and behold, for every dollar, this bottling holds its own next to the Reserve, such a TREMENDOUS value under $50!
Groth is the pioneer of the 100-point CA Cab era, earning that title way back in 1985 with their Reserve.
Yet it was always this Oakville Cab that helped them build a loyal following at the finest wine shops and restaurants around the world, bringing the magic of Oakville to the masses, always overdelivering. The 2015 vintage comes REAL CLOSE to the Reserve, perhaps just a couple of notches away in concentration and age worthiness. Less new oak aging and a higher percentage of Merlot mean earlier approachability along with plusher tannins and hence greater versatility for pairings.
Cut of the same cloth, in aromatics and flavor, it truly is the little brother of the big boy. There could not be a better case buy to drink while you wait for your Reserves to reach their peak.
Pulling an always impressive Groth Cabernet on – far less wine savvy than you – relatives or buddies has never been this affordable, so pile up!
93 Points – Decanter
“Deep, concentrated nose bursting with ripe black fruit concentration and herbal undertones. Fresh fruit palate, with a touch of oak spice and violets. Drinking window 2021-2035.”
What the Winery Says
2015 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winemaker
- Cameron Parry
- Varietals
- 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot
- Vintage
- 2015
- Appellation
- Oakville, Napa Valley
- Alcohol
- 14.9%
- Harvest dates
- September 9 – September 29
- Bottling date
- July 2017
- Aging
- 22 months
- Barrels
- 40% new French oak