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Jeb Dunnuck
Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Vinous
2017 MacDonald Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, USA
MACDONALD is a partnership between brothers and fourth-generation Napa Valley grape growers, Graeme and Alex MacDonald. Graeme handles the winemaking and vineyard management while Alex is in charge of the business side.
Place:
The property is located within the historic To-Kalon Vineyard, a portion of which was purchased by our family in 1954, who planted the first vines on the property since prohibition.
The vineyard is 15 acres, planted exclusively to Cabernet Sauvignon with vines aged 70 years (the original vines planted by our great-grandparents), 50 years (our grandparent’s block) and 30 years old vines planted by Robert Mondavi. Our family has preserved some of the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon plantings in the Napa Valley.
Located on the apex of a geologic feature called an alluvial fan, the subsoil consists of >90% gravel by volume making it the rockiest site in To-Kalon. The layered gravels create wines of characteristic power, richness and longevity.
We manage the vineyard ourselves with the care and attention to detail taught to us by our grandfather.
Wine:
We hand farm our own vines, touching each plant throughout the season with the care and attention to detail that was taught to us by our grandfather. Only the amount of wine that can be made with our own hands is produced. We believe that only by this level of attention to detail, and by the work of those who have the passion to pursue it, can a great wine truly be achieved.
We began experimenting to develop a unique winemaking style following the sale of the Robert Mondavi Winery in 2004. Our inaugural release of MACDONALD was the 2010 vintage (released in 2013).
We focus on making one wine composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from our 70, 50 and 30 years old vines.
Wine characteristics: Classically styled with black cherry, crème de cassis, black olive, lavender, graphite, pencil shavings, bittersweet chocolate, purity, freshness and balance with fine noble tannins and natural intensity.
Approximately 500 cases produced. We produce only the amount of wine we can make with our own hands.