Wines Napa Valley Lortum Riché - Row 48 Cask 9 - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Lortum Riché's 2022 Cuvée Row 48 Cask 9 from Napa Valley AVA is an expressive, modern Californian red that showcases the region’s potential for crafting complex, generous wines. This cuvée is likely a blend of classic Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and perhaps some Petit Verdot or Cabernet Franc, given Napa’s tradition and the reference to a blend. The 2022 vintage was marked by a warm growing season in Napa, yielding wines of opulence and concentration with structured tannins and ripe fruit. Vinification in select casks—here Cask 9—suggests careful élevage, probably with a significant proportion of new French oak to bring polish, structure, and aromatic complexity. Expect deep color and aromas of blackcurrant, ripe plum, mocha, and sweet spices, underpinned by a subtle cedar note.

Napa Valley itself holds a celebrated position in American and global viticulture. Benefiting from a Mediterranean climate, hot days are tempered by cool, foggy nights brought by nearby San Pablo Bay. This significant diurnal range preserves acidity while allowing full phenolic ripening, giving Napa reds their characteristic power and freshness. The valley’s heterogeneous soils—ranging from volcanic ash to fertile alluvial fans—enhance complexity. Since the late 20th century, Napa Valley has risen to fame for its world-class Cabernet-based blends, with a pronounced focus on quality and terroir expression.

For food pairing, consider hearty dishes that can match the wine’s richness and depth. Classic Napa fare such as grilled ribeye steak with rosemary, slow-cooked short ribs, or a rack of lamb with herb crust will highlight the wine’s structure and ripe fruit. For a regional touch, try it with tri-tip BBQ or blue cheese-stuffed burgers. Mushroom risotto or roasted root vegetables offer satisfying vegetarian alternatives.

For ideal enjoyment, serve the Lortum Riché Cuvée at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour will help express its aromatics and round out the tannins, especially in its youthful 2022 vintage. Enjoy now for its vibrant fruit, or cellar for greater complexity over the next decade.