{"title":"Forman","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"forman-cabernet-sauvignon-2019","title":"Forman Cabernet Sauvignon 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForman Cabernet Sauvignon 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Bordeaux-style Napa Valley red blend bottled at 14.8% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Awarded 97 points by Vinous Media and 96 points from Jeb Dunnuck, this vintage stands as one of the most critically celebrated releases in the estate's history.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.8%  |  Origin: St. Helena, Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 2019  |  Winery: Forman Vineyard\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eForman Vineyard sits on a ridge at the base of Howell Mountain in St. Helena, where founder Ric Forman — a veteran winemaker whose career spans decades in Napa Valley — operates as a strong advocate for minimal intervention. The 2019 is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, fermented in small stainless steel tanks to preserve lot separation and precision. After fermentation, the wine ages in new French oak barrels inside deep caves carved directly into the estate's hillside, where a naturally cool, dark, and humid environment means the wine literally matures within the same soils from which the grapes were grown.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with classic darker currants and blackberry before layering in green tobacco, spring flowers, and camphor. New leather and a subtle gunpowder note emerge as the wine breathes, revealing real aromatic complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On entry, the palate delivers fresh, sweet boysenberry with a slightly piquant edge. The mid-palate builds with black currant, cedar, and chocolate, while a dusty earthiness and Brazil nut character give the wine structural weight. A backbone of tar and currants drives toward a peak punctuated by black pepper and turned earth, showcasing what critics have described as remarkable textural intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is long, firm, and layered with savory and floral echoes that linger well past the final sip. Fine-grained tannins carry tobacco and dark fruit through a sustained, elegant conclusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Forman Cabernet\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a wine built for the glass, not the shaker — drink it neat in a large-bowled Bordeaux glass at cellar temperature (60–65°F), and consider decanting for 45 minutes to an hour to let the aromatics fully unfurl. If you prefer wine-based cocktails, it works in a \u003cstrong\u003eCabernet Reduction Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e featuring stone fruit and a cinnamon stick for spice contrast, a \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (equal parts red wine and cola, served over ice) for an unexpectedly refreshing warm-weather serve, or a \u003cstrong\u003eNew York Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e where its dark fruit and tannic backbone float beautifully over a whiskey sour base.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellaring for long-term aging — the structure and acidity suggest a generous drinking window through the early 2040s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious Napa Valley wine collector a critically acclaimed vintage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a special-occasion steak dinner or holiday prime rib\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding a 97-point wine to a curated home cellar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Forman Cabernet taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e The 2019 vintage delivers concentrated dark currant, boysenberry, and blackberry fruit layered with cedar, tobacco, chocolate, and a distinctive dusty earthiness. Fine-grained tannins and notable textural intensity give it a structured yet elegant profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Forman Cabernet compare to Dunn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both wines represent a classically structured, old-school Napa Cabernet philosophy, but Forman's Bordeaux-style blending — incorporating Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot — adds aromatic complexity and mid-palate breadth that a 100% varietal Cabernet typically does not offer. The 2019 Forman also scored 97 points from Vinous, placing it among the highest-rated wines in its peer set for that vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Forman Cabernet good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — this is a wine designed for contemplative drinking, with enough aromatic layers and structural depth to reward slow, focused attention over the course of an evening.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Forman Cabernet made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Forman Vineyard is located in St. Helena, at the base of Howell Mountain in the heart of Napa Valley, California. The wine is fermented on-site in small stainless steel tanks and aged in caves dug into the estate's hillside.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Forman Cabernet?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled bone-in ribeye steak mirrors the wine's dark fruit intensity; braised short ribs complement its earthy, savory undertones; aged Comté or Gruyère cheese echoes the nutty, chocolate notes; roasted lamb with herbs bridges the tobacco and floral aromatics; and dark chocolate truffles provide a rich dessert pairing that aligns with the wine's cocoa finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Forman Cabernet come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Forman Cabernet worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Forman Cabernet positions squarely in the premium-to-ultra-premium tier of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and the 2019 vintage — with 97 points from Vinous and 96 from Jeb Dunnuck — delivers critical acclaim that meets or exceeds many wines at comparable or higher price points.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Forman Cabernet?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 2019 vintage represents a convergence of an exceptional growing year and Ric Forman's decades-long commitment to letting the vineyard speak through minimal winemaking intervention. A 97-point score from Vinous places this release among the elite Napa Valley Cabernets of its vintage. The estate's cave-aging program — where barrels rest inside the very hillside that feeds the vines — gives the wine a sense of place that few producers can replicate. For collectors and serious drinkers seeking a classically structured, age-worthy Napa Cabernet with genuine critical weight behind it, this is a bottle that justifies its reputation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Forman","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837597937833,"sku":"21152","price":139.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Forman-Cabernet-Sauvignon-2007__23656.jpg?v=1730487782"},{"product_id":"forman-cabernet-sauvignon-2008","title":"Forman Cabernet Sauvignon 2016","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForman Cabernet Sauvignon 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 750ml, 14.8% ABV Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from one of the region's most respected small-production estates. Scored 94 points by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the 2016 vintage showcases a translucent, mid-weight style defined by finesse rather than sheer power—a hallmark of Forman Vineyard's winemaking philosophy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.8%  |  Origin: Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 2016  |  Winery: Forman Vineyard\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eForman Vineyard was founded in 1983 by Ric Forman at the base of Howell Mountain overlooking St. Helena. The estate draws fruit from three distinct Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards: an eight-acre \"Clos\" block on deep gravel and sand deposits below the winery; a steep 20-acre hillside parcel on dense, rocky volcanic soil that required dynamite to break up for planting; and a third block in the Rutherford AVA planted on pink gravel over volcanic ash subsoils. Fermentation takes place in small stainless steel tanks to preserve site character, and the wine ages in new French oak barrels inside deep caves that maintain a naturally cool, dark, and humid environment—conditions that encourage slow, even maturation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with fresh lavender and rose petal before layering in sweet tobacco, menthol, and brown baking spice. A thread of Bing cherry lifts the aromatics, giving the wine an inviting, fragrant entry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate is gracious and medium-bodied, with red cherry and licorice emerging on the entry. Mid-palate, delicate spice notes interweave with floral tones of lavender, while the oak influence stays restrained and integrated. This is a translucent, super-expressive Cabernet that prioritizes dimension over density.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is measured and persistent, with lingering notes of menthol, dried spice, and a subtle sweet tobacco echo. Fine tannins carry the wine to a polished, balanced close.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Forman Cabernet\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine is best enjoyed neat in a large-bowled Bordeaux glass at cellar temperature, around 60–65°F. A brief 30- to 60-minute decant helps the layered aromatics fully open. While the 2016 Forman Cabernet is primarily a sipping wine, its mid-weight structure and aromatic complexity make it versatile at the table rather than behind a bar.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellaring for special occasions—the 2016 vintage has proven aging potential through its balanced structure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious wine collector who values restraint and terroir expression over blockbuster extraction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchoring a Napa Valley Cabernet vertical tasting exploring different vintage characters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a high-end dinner featuring roasted or grilled red meats\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Forman Cabernet 2016 taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e The 2016 delivers a translucent, mid-weight profile centered on Bing cherry, lavender, sweet tobacco, and licorice, with brown spice and menthol adding complexity. It is characterized by finesse and dimension rather than heavy extraction or fruit concentration.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Forman Cabernet compare to Corison Napa Valley Cabernet?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both Forman and Corison are recognized for producing elegant, restrained Napa Valley Cabernets that favor structure and site expression over power. Forman's estate sits at the base of Howell Mountain on volcanic soils, lending mineral complexity and a distinctly floral aromatic signature, while Corison draws primarily from benchland vineyards in St. Helena and Rutherford.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Forman Cabernet 2016 good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely—this wine was made in a style built around finesse, translucency, and layered aromatics, all qualities that reward careful, unhurried sipping from a proper glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Forman Cabernet made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Forman Cabernet Sauvignon is produced at Forman Vineyard, located at the base of Howell Mountain overlooking St. Helena in Napa Valley, California. The estate's three vineyard blocks span different soil types, including one parcel within the Rutherford AVA.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Forman Cabernet 2016?\u003c\/strong\u003e Herb-crusted rack of lamb complements the wine's lavender and spice notes. Grilled filet mignon with a peppercorn crust mirrors the brown spice and tobacco character. Aged Gruyère or Comté echoes the wine's savory depth. Duck breast with cherry reduction amplifies the red fruit core. Braised short ribs with root vegetables match the wine's medium body without overwhelming its finesse.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Forman Cabernet come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The Forman Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is available in the standard 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Forman Cabernet 2016 worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Forman Vineyard positions as a premium, small-production Napa estate with a reputation built over four decades. The 94-point score from Vinous and the wine's proven track record of graceful aging place it firmly in the upper tier of Napa Cabernet, where it delivers strong value relative to peers with similar critical acclaim.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Forman Cabernet 2016?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 94-point score from Antonio Galloni underscores what sets this wine apart: a commitment to translucency and class in a region often associated with maximum extraction. Ric Forman's three estate vineyards, each on distinct volcanic soil profiles, give the wine a layered complexity that single-site bottlings rarely achieve. The 2016 Napa Valley vintage provided exceptional growing conditions, and the resulting wine balances immediate drinkability with serious cellaring potential. For collectors and enthusiasts who prize restraint, aromatic nuance, and site-driven character, the 2016 Forman Cabernet is a benchmark expression of what Napa Valley Cabernet can be when power takes a back seat to precision.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Forman","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837597970601,"sku":"21800","price":139.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Forman-Cabernet-Sauvignon-2008__38779.jpg?v=1730487785"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/forman.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}