Macauley Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon 2018

The Macauley Vineyardlabel was originally established in St. Helena in the early 1980s by Ann Macauley Watson and for several years produced a very well received late harvest Sauvignon Blanc with help from renowned winemaker, Ric Forman. In the late summer of 2000, Anns son Mac went to work for Rudd Estate in Oakville. After several months of winery work and education he was inspired to revive the family label, and, working with winemaker and childhood friend Kirk Venge, crushed his first grapes in October 2001.

Mac and Kirk have one goal: to source the highest quality fruit in Napa Valley and make wines of extraordinary depth and personality. The grapes they choose showcase the terroir of the vineyards and create a remarkable wine-drinking experience.

Opening to an inky hue of deep purple, the 2018 Macauley Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon has a magical feel to it, as if youve just uncorked an enological genie in a bottle. Sourced from clones 337 and 4, and aged for 28 months in new Taransaud and Darnajou oak, this vintage of their most sought after wine has an elegance and seamlessness to it that flirts with perfection. Blueberry, crme de cassis, violets, dried cherries and chocolate levitate from the bouquet, while the mouthfeel lays out a magic carpet of dark fruit, espresso, and barrel vanilla.

93 Points – Wine Spectator Features a loamy hint that guides a core of gently steeped plum and black currant fruit, slowly allowing alder, cedar and tobacco to work their way in before taking an encore on the finish. Best from 2024 through 2038.