When it comes to old-school Cali Cabernet, Forman is one of the time-tested, essential names to know.

The fact that Forman made one of the most understated and finessed examples of the 2015 vintage won't surprise many seasoned California wine fans.

Ric Forman is a stalwart of classic California Cabernet. He began making wine in California in 1966 and soon became obsessed with Bordeaux, making a pilgrimage there to pick up tricks of the craft.

He purchased his own vineyard in 1978 and began producing wines in 1983. Since then, Forman has become known for making some of the greatest Napa Cabs in the low-octane idiom. Forman's wines are characterized by their rigorous architecture, subtle complexity and grace.

Forman's vineyard site, Grande Roche, at the base of Howell Mountain in St. Helena is remarkable. It’s comprised of gravel and decomposed volcanic tufa over rock.

In the heat and dryness of the vintage, the yields at Forman were reduced by half. It seems almost magical that Forman was able to introduce such elegance to wines of such profound concentration. Its impressive structure is fleshed out by a stunning array of flavors: deep black fruits, herbs, graphite, and minerality. By every indication, this wine should have a long and exciting life ahead of it.

We very much concur with Antonio Galloni when he writes that "Forman's Cabernet is probably the single greatest value in Napa Valley Cabernet". We suggest that you take advantage of the special 3-pack pricing to watch this wine age gracefully in the decades to come.

To order, email offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.

Ian McFadden

Director, Fine & Rare Wine
Crush Wine & Spirits