Just 4.8ha of Oakville Cabernet are designated for Groth's Reserve blocks. This blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot was aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. It spent another 14 months in bottle before being released—wonderfully rich and expressive black cherry, leather, and tobacco aromatics. Full-bodied and framed by supple, fine-grained tannins and building finesse in its dusty dried violets, rose petal florals, and dusty mineral backbone. A nice, long, pleasant finish rounds out this polished Reserve Cabernet. Certainly one for the cellar, but incredibly pleasing at the pull of the cork today.

Ripe and with a bit of flash thanks to its glossy toast, this red delivers a violet-accented core of cassis and plum reduction, with black licorice, sweet tobacco and singed alder notes. Solid and steady through the lengthy, polished finish, with a flash of flinty minerality lurking in the background. Drink now through 2040.