This is the ninth vintage from our historic Reserve vineyard after a replanting of the vineyards took us out of production for five vintages. The rootstock, clones, trellising system and vine row orientation have proven to be the perfect combination of variables for the Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Location is the paramount factor providing the perfect blend of diurnal temperatures, rainfall amounts and unique soil profiles for our winegrowing endeavors.
Vintage:
Mellow is the word that comes to mind to describe the vintage from a winegrowing and winemaker perspective. Fantastic is the word that comes to mind to describe the quality and bounty of the crop. Early bud break was followed by exceptional weather that continued through the entire season. There was no need to be frantic about picking – we were all very relaxed. We were able to pick when the grapes were at their finest, giving us outrageous color/bodacious tannin structure in the reds. 2013 will go down in the annals as one of the greats along with 2012. Two in a row – WOW! Michael Weis, Winemaker Emeritus
Harvest & Winemaking:
All of the Cabernet Sauvignon is from our 27.78 acre Reserve Block here at the Estate. In these vineyards, we do a pre-veraison cluster thinning followed by two post-veraison cluster thinning. Cabernet Sauvignon clusters are night harvested, allowing the fruit to remain cool for sorting and cold soak. Clusters are hand sorted, then de-stemmed without crushing; the berries go through a second hand sort, making sure only the best berries go into each small fermentation lot. The must is cold soaked for up to five days, prior to inoculation. After fermentation is complete, barrel aging takes place in our dedicated, dual level Reserve barrel rooms. The wine is racked barrel to barrel and aged for 25 months in 100% new French oak.
Tasting Notes:
The 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has clean, rich aromas with great complexity; it shows prominent notes of cedar, dried cherries and sweet vanilla along with hints of warm summer blackberries, ripe dark plum, forest humus and a touch of thyme. The flavors open with a smooth entry and build quickly with loads of fine grain tannins giving a very broad mouthfeel. All this structure is backed up with a nice firm acidity, bright red currant and ripe dark cherry fruit, as well as more subtle impressions of cocoa, oak spice and savory herbs. Cameron Parry, Director of Winegrowing
The personality of this great Napa Valley vintage comes through loud and clear in the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. Dark, imposing and tannic, the 2013 is also going to need quite a bit of time to come around. The inclusion of 24% Merlot has softened some of the contours, but the 2013 is a decidedly big wine. Lavender, violet, mint and black cherry add the nuance. - Antonio Galloni 94+ Points
This wine is sourced from a unique block in the heart of the appellation and the producer's 165-acre estate, rich in sedimentary rock fragments of quartz and fossils. It's lush and soft on the palate, with leather, ripe red berry and cassis flavors. The tannins are strong and wrapped tenaciously around the fruit, requiring further time in bottle; drink 2020–2028. - Wine Enthusiast Magazine 93 Points
Remarkably rich and well-made, with a taut, dense core of earthy anise and black licorice notes woven into currant and blackberry elements. Once settled, the flavors expand and lift, imparting a sense of elegance and finesse without losing the tannic backbone. Best from 2020 through 2034. 3,400 cases made.–JL - Wine Spectator Magazine 93 Points
