2017 MacDonald Vineyards - Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon (95

2017 MacDonald Vineyards - Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon (95 pts) @macvineyards @macdonaldvineyards ℹ️ This wine is 💯 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Oakville AVA in Napa Valley, California. This wine is exclusively from the famous To-Kalon Vineyard that is largely regarded as one of the best vineyard sites in Napa, although it is not permitted on the label. The vineyard sits on an alluvial fan formed by two creeks bordering the vineyard, which resulted in a high concentration of gravely soils. The MacDonald family has owned these vineyards for over 60 years, and Robert Mondavi referred to the MacDonald's as "the best grape growers in Napa Valley." The vineyards are organic, and the old head-trained vines are dry farmed. The wines are aged in French oak barrels (~60% new) for 20 months with 15 months of bottle age before being released. 👁 Deep ruby color. 👃 Medium+ intensity on the nose. Aromas of ripe and overripe blackberry, blackcurrant, black cherry, blueberry, oak, sawdust, toast, anise, violets, black licorice, and gravel. 👄 The wine is dry, medium+ acidity, high silky tannins, high alcohol (14.5%), and medium+ body. The palate is pristine ripe fruit, and ever so smooth. A long length finish of black and blue fruit, silky texture with gravel and subtle spice. 🔔 MacDonald Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most challenging wines to acquire in Napa Valley. This wine was a stunning example of a Cult Cab that is virtually seamless on the palate. It is super clean fruit, balanced acidity, and well-integrated oak that is not heavy-handed. This wine will improve with age but can be consumed young with 8-10 hours in the decanter. The release price is 💯 justified and probably underpriced. They only make 300+ cases at the moment. The good news is the vineyard can produce more fruit, especially if they don't renew some fruit contracts. Unfortunately, the wait-list is massive, and if you want to try these wines now, you need to go to the secondary market where prices are 3x. 😓 I feel fortunate to have visited the property and don't worry, no spit bucket was required. ⛔️🍷💦🤣 💰 ~$175 if you are on the list 📋