2011 MacDonald Cabernet Sauvignon

MacDonald has family roots in Napa Valley that go back to 1954. The waitlist is lengthy, and the case production is very limited. MacDonald is a collaboration between brothers Alex and Graeme MacDonald, and their debut vintage was 2009. The story begins when their great-grandparents bought a modest retirement property in Oakville that came with a vineyard called To-Kalon. After replanting the vineyard, the couple started selling grapes to Robert Mondavi, who used them first for his family’s Charles Krug wines, then for his own Robert Mondavi label. Today To-Kalon is considered one of the most outstanding terroirs in Napa Valley, and many of Napa’s most prestigious wines used grapes sourced from To-Kalon. The first vintages of MacDonald received highly complimentary reviews. Vinous wrote this about the 2010: in “this vintage, the first commercial release, brothers Alex and Graeme MacDonald made a wine that has no problem sitting alongside Napa Valley's long established stars. This is a fabulous showing.”

Oakville AVA is one of the two or three most prestigious appellations in the United States. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, its 5,000 vineyard acres produce some of the world’s most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, including such California “cult” Cabs as Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate. Before those boutique producers rose to fame in the 1990s, Oakville was already renowned as home to Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Groth Vineyards, among others. Along with the famous wineries, there are premier vineyards in this AVA, including Martha’s Vineyard and To Kalon Vineyard. To Kalon was first planted in 1868 by H.W. Crabb, one of California’s first viticultural researchers, and he named the vineyard after the ancient Greek phrase for “most beautiful.” Though many grapes can be successfully grown in Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon is king. Merlot and Chardonnay are also frequently planted. Oakville Cabs are prized for their richness, complexity and weight. Oakville was designated as an AVA in 1993.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.