The name sounds decidedly French, but this is actually a 100% estate-grown bottling produced by Forman, whose blue chip cabernet we recently covered.

A more effusive, fruit-forward wine than Forman’s flagship, yet ultimately more simplistic, Chateau La Grande Roche cabernet features initial, bright notes of plum and currants, tempered by some acidic, slightly bitter grapefruit peel notes that keep things from spiraling into fruit bomb territory. On the finish, things dry up, evoking graphite and cherry pits, ultimately culminating in a tight experience that feels overly earthy. Tastes rather French, too, it turns out.

B+ / $67

2020 Chateau La Grande Roche Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

$67

8.5

Rating

8.5/10

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