2021 Chateau La Grande Roche by Rossi Wallace, Forman Vineyard Estate | Napa Valley California 750ml

2021 was such a wonderful year, it made choosing what lots to keep out of the Forman blend and go into the Grande Roche blend very difficult. All lots were quite ripe but also in beautiful shape with no shrivel at these elevated sugars. Even with the ripeness, however, the acid is balanced, perfect for positive development in bottle.
The classic Forman Vineyard gravel vineyard structure, as always, has displayed more of a Claret nose than California. Deep berry but also a spicey Cabernet herbal quality exists - a hallmark of the vineyard. 564 cases produced.

Chateau la Grande Roche is a brand within the Rossi-Wallace portfolio and is owned by husband-and-wife team, Ric Forman & Cheryl Emmolo. The name was derived in recognition of the presence of the gravel nature of the Forman Vineyard property which is surrounded by massive boulders (Grande Roche) in a true clos-like fashion. It is 100% estate grown and is generally predominantly made up of Cabernet Sauvignon but, depending on the vintage, can also have Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petite Verdot as minority components of the blend. The brand was created in 1984 to ensure that the Forman Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon would consistently meet the exacting standards that the wine maintains. | Ric Forman for Rossi-Wallace

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. | 92 points, Antonio Galloni for Vinous