1987 Groth Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

After enjoying magnificent Cabernets in 1984, 1985, and 1986, I was disappointed with the regular 1987 Groth Cabernet, which I found excessively vegetal and bizarre. The 1987 Reserve, however, is a better wine, with an impressively opaque dark ruby/purple color. The nose offers up aromas of sweet new oak, bell peppers and weedy Cabernet fruit. While the wine is concentrated and rich on the palate, it does not possess the stature or profound qualities of the '84, '85, or '86. I am surprised by the near vegetal character of the Cabernet fruit in both of the 1987 Groth offerings. In spite of that, the Reserve displays enough positive characteristics to merit a recommendation. Drink it over the next 8-12 years.