Chateau La Grand Roche - Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (750ml)
Price: $67.99
| Producer | Chateau La Grand Roche |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Sku | 202292 |
| Size | 750ml |
 |
Chateau La Grand Roche Description
Chateau La Grande Roche is Forman Vineyard's second label from Ric Forman, a legend in Napa. He established this second label to assure that the Forman Cabernet will always be created from only the very best lots in a given year. Forman is the "Reserve." Chateau La Grand Roche is made up of those lots that didn't make the cut for the Forman label. It is made with all of the same care and dedication as Forman, as well as sourced from the same hillsides vines surrounding the winery. Meaning Chateau of the "big rock" as the winery was carved out of the massive pink and grey boulders on which it sits. The winery is situated on Big Rock Road perched on a ridge at the base of Howell Mountain overlooking the town of St. Helena. Production is only about 500 cases. A beautiful and classic Napa Cabernet that is very reminiscent of the elder Forman Cabernet at a fraction of the price.
Ric Forman has been making wine in the Napa Valley since 1966, cutting his teeth first at the iconic Stony Hill on Spring Mountain before bringing to prominence both Sterling Vineyards and Newton before buying his own vineyard on Howell Mountain in 1978 and creating his eponymous winery in 1983. While at Newton, Forman took an extended trip to Bordeaux, and what he found there forever changed his approach to winemaking, compelling him, eventually, to model his own business model on the traditional Bordeaux chateau. For over forty years, Ric has concentrated his efforts on making very traditional wines focused on the healthy natural acidity, firm, age-worthy structures and an emphasis on the polish, texture and balance he found in the Medoc. As such, Ric thinks it important to create a second wine each vintage that helps preserve the integrity of its bigger brother. He’s long called the second wine at Forman Chateau La Grande Roche, and lovers of Old School Napa Cabernet know it to be one of the greatest bargains remaining in the entire Napa Valley.
Vinous: 92 Points
92 Points - Vinous - The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Chateau La Grande Roche is fresh, vibrant and super-expressive. There's a bit more Franc here than in the straight Cabernet, which lends notable aromatic presence and energy throughout. This classy, mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon is impeccably done. The classic Forman Vineyard gravel vineyard structure. This is a terrific second wine from Forman Vineyards. Blend: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc
