Wines Napa Valley Lortum Riché - Row 48 Cask 9

Viniou Reviews

Lortum Riché’s “Cuvée Row 48 Cask 9” is a non-vintage red wine from California’s renowned Napa Valley AVA, a region synonymous with world-class viticulture and innovation. This cuvée is classified as a dry wine, and while it does not specify a particular grape variety, the vast majority of Napa red blends are typically built upon Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and sometimes elements of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, or Malbec. The non-vintage designation suggests a blend of base wines from different years, crafted to maintain consistency in style and profile from one bottling to the next. This kind of approach allows for a harmonious balance: typically, you can expect bold dark fruit aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum, underpinned by hints of vanilla, cedar, toffee, and sometimes mocha, from both the ripe grapes and the influence of new oak barrels.

Napa Valley is one of the most prestigious winegrowing areas in the United States, revered for its optimal combination of Mediterranean climate, alluvial soils rich in volcanic and marine sediment, and diverse microclimates. Days are warm and nights cool, allowing full ripening of Bordeaux varieties while retaining freshness and structure. Since the mid-19th century, and especially post-Prohibition, the region burgeoned thanks to visionary producers and international acclaim—most notably after the 1976 Paris Judgment. Today, Napa’s patchwork of sub-appellations and precise vineyard management make it a hotbed for expressive, powerful, and structured red wines.

For food pairings, rich meats such as grilled ribeye, roast lamb with rosemary, or duck breast with a berry reduction will match the generous fruit and structure of this blend. Local Californian specialties, like tri-tip steak or short rib tacos with a smoky salsa, make excellent accompaniments. For cheese, opt for aged cheddar or a creamy blue.

To fully appreciate the nuances of this wine, serve it slightly cool, ideally between 16-18°C. Decanting for about 30 minutes will soften the tannins and release the layered bouquet, allowing you to savor this Napa expression at its fullest potential.