Groth 40th Vintage Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Groth 40th Vintage Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is a 14.2% ABV, 750mL Oakville Cabernet — the winery's 40th vintage of Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, an 83% Cabernet blend aged 19 months in French oak and released as a tribute to co-founder Judith Mae Groth. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 14.2%
- Size: 750mL
- Vintage: 2021 — Groth's 40th vintage of Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon
- Blend: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot
- Appellation: Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- Vineyards: Groth's sustainably farmed Oakville Estate and carefully selected partner-grower lots, all within the Oakville AVA; fruit night-harvested and hand cluster-sorted
- Ageing: 19 months in French oak barrels, 50% new
- Winemaking: Fermented 7–10 days in small, temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks
Forty Vintages, One Standard Bearer
The 40th vintage of Groth's Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon is a tribute to the winery's co-founder, Judith Mae Groth. Judy's influence on the style of Groth wines, the design of the winery and its labels, the approach to hospitality and the family's exacting code of conduct cannot be overestimated — from the very beginning she considered her role in establishing Groth Vineyards & Winery her most important professional achievement, and the winery describes her as its standard bearer for 40 years, the essence of the beauty, grace and elegance consistently reflected in its wines. The bottling marked the milestone by replicating the 1982 vintage label with a commemorative emblem. The 2021 harvest began on 30 August and ran smooth and evenly paced, with fewer heat spikes than recent vintages; continuing drought produced smaller clusters and berries, and wines of intense flavour — a fitting raw material for an anniversary Cabernet, and Director of Winegrowing Ted Henry's first vintage at Groth. Browse the Groth collection, more red wine, and the wider wine shelves at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Director of Winegrowing Ted Henry's notes: a deep, dense garnet wine opening with macerated blackberry intertwined with freshly baked graham cracker crust, then cocoa nibs, hibiscus tea, hints of poppy seed and an underlying graphite. On the palate, bright sour cherry and juicy raspberry take centre stage alongside black currant depth, a subtle rhubarb tartness and a nuance of paprika spice; the tannins, initially robust, gradually melt into a velvety texture and finish.
How to Enjoy
The winery's pairings: roasted herb-coated meats, grilled portobellos, or a rich Bolognese — its complex aromatics and lively acidity make it a natural food wine. Decant a young bottle to let the tannins soften, or cellar it and watch the graphite and cocoa deepen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 2021 called the 40th Vintage? It is the 40th vintage of Groth's Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, counting from the winery's founding era — and it is dedicated to co-founder Judith Mae Groth, with the 1982 vintage label replicated and a commemorative emblem added for the release.
What is the blend of Groth Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2021? 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, aged 19 months in French oak barrels, 50% of them new, and bottled at 14.2% ABV.
Is this the same as Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon? No — the Reserve is a separate, single-vineyard bottling from the Reserve Vineyard blocks, aged longer in 100% new French oak. This is the Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from the Oakville Estate and partner growers across the Oakville AVA.
What food pairs with Groth 40th Vintage Cabernet Sauvignon 2021? Roasted herb-coated meats, grilled portobellos and rich Bolognese are the winery's own suggestions; grilled steak and lamb are equally natural matches.
An anniversary bottling with a founder's name behind it — add Groth 40th Vintage Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 to your order at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.