Groth: Same as it Ever Was.

Over the weekend I spent some time catching up on my reading. I came across a Wine Spectator feature which lauded 12 recently-released Napa Valley Chardonnays. Here's the synopsis of their reviews:

RAMEY Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros Hudson Vineyard 2007 Score: 92 | $60

GROTH Chardonnay Napa Valley 2008 Score: 91 | $29

CALDWELL Chardonnay Napa Valley Varietal Collection Clone 809 2008 Score: 90 | $40

FERRARI-CARANO Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros Reserve 2007 Score: 90 | $32

HDV Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros Hyde Vineyard 2007 Score: 90 | $60

RAMEY Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros Hyde Vineyard 2007 Score: 90 | $60

ROBERT MONDAVI Chardonnay Napa Valley Reserve 2007 Score: 89 | $40

OAKVILLE RANCH Chardonnay Napa Valley 2007 Score: 89 | $40

ANTICA NAPA VALLEY Chardonnay Napa Valley 2008 Score: 88 | $35

CUVAISON Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros S Block 2008 Score: 88 | $36

PRIDE Chardonnay Napa Valley 2008 Score: 88 | $37

Interesting. The Groth Chardonnay was the second highest-scoring wine reviewed. It was also the least expensive. The highest-scoring wine here - by one point - is more than twice the price.

The Wine Spectator article reminded me of something: Groth produces some truly great wines at unassuming prices. Dennis and Judy Groth purchased their Oakville property in 1981. The vineyard was planted back in the early seventies by their neighbors Justin Meyer and Ray Duncan of Silver Oak. Since its inception, the winery has been making solid (often profound) wines that still deserve your attention.

I know what I'll be drinking tonight...how about you?

#45634 - Chardonnay
# 45624 - Sauvignon Blanc
#45664 - Cabernet Sauvignon
#45614 - Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve