Groth Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2021

96 Wine Spectator Ripe, defined and very sleek, this delivers a pure beam of cassis, blackberry puree and black licorice flavors framed by notes of singed apple wood and sweet tobacco. Savory, wet slate and warm earth notes chime in, while latent energy drives the finish. This should emerge steadily with cellaring, with a long life ahead. 

95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate A selection of the best lots from the winery's Oakville estate, aged in 100% new oak, Groth's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a great wine at a realistic—for Napa Valley—price. Textbook notes of cedar and vanilla gently cosset black cherries and hints of dried herbs. It's full-bodied, creamy and lush in texture, showing more concentration, tannin and length than the winery's regular Oakville Cabernet.

94 Jeb Dunnuck A much smaller production release, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve checks in as 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot that was brought up all in new barrels. Its dense purple hue is followed by a ripe, concentrated, medium to full-bodied wine with lots of blackcurrant and plum fruit, some smoky herb, graphite, and chocolate notes, ripe, focusing tannins, and good mid-palate depth. As with many 2021s, the cellar will be your friend. Give bottles 2-4 years and enjoy over the following two decades.

94 James Suckling Refined, textured and harmonious, with controlled power and poise throughout. It’s full-bodied with fine tannins and a velvety texture on the center palate. Subtle aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, raw chocolate, dried thyme, pebbles and baking spices mingle on the nose. Velvety, restrained and polished in the long finish. 

94 Vinous The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is absolutely gorgeous. Bright acids give the 2021 striking energy to match its understated, mid-weight personality. Dark red cherry, rose petal, blood orange and spice open first, driven by beams of supporting tannin that confer energy. Winemaker Ted Henry crafted a Reserve that melds old school classicism with contemporary polish.

94 Wine Enthusiast Generous and approachable, with the structure to serve a meal beautifully. This wine features flavors of ripe blackberries, cocoa, juicy plums and cloves. Tannins are just grippy enough to keep the wine palate cleansing. It is flavorful enough to enjoy on its own.