Chateau la Grande Roche Cabernet Sauvignon

Born from the storied slopes at the base of Howell Mountain and guided by the legendary hand of Ric Forman, the 2023 Château La Grande Roche Cabernet Sauvignon is a tribute to Napa Valley’s classical soul. A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Cabernet Franc, it reflects Forman’s five decades of shaping the region, from his early days at Robert Mondavi and Sterling to founding Newton and his namesake Forman Vineyard.

The 2023 harvest will be remembered as one of Napa’s truly great vintages. A long, deliberate growing season allowed the fruit to reach full, unhurried maturity, producing wines with remarkable depth, purity, and balance. The kind of vintage winemakers hope for, but rarely receive.

Estate-grown and aged 22 months in French oak, this limited production of roughly 500 cases offers a window into mountain-fruit elegance and time-honored technique.

In the glass, the wine shows a classic claret hue and an immediately captivating bouquet: briary Cabernet aromatics, black currant, black cherry, and faint spice, woven with a subtle herbal lift and mineral-driven savoriness. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet refined, energized by bright acidity and supported by fine, elegant tannins that promise longevity while already delivering extraordinary pleasure in its youth.

A wine of spirit, structure, and sophistication, the 2023 Château La Grande Roche Cabernet Sauvignon stands as a beautifully composed expression of Napa Valley tradition, crafted by one of its true pioneers.