2018 MacDonald Cabernet Sauvignon
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Realm Cellars historic Napa Valley tasting. The MacDonald brothers are much admired in the Valley and theirs is, as Scott Becker of Realm pointed out, a ‘feelgood story’. Historian Graeme MacDonald has done his best to be allowed to use the name To-Kalon for the wine they make from ancient vines on this famed vineyard but has so far failed . The MacDonalds had a very close relationship with Robert Mondavi. Deep crimson. Heady. Lots of alcohol. So mouth-filling! Obviously much bigger than the Dalla Valle, Maya 2015 tasted immediately beforehand! Still very youthful – the most obviously youthful wine in this tasting so far. (JR)
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is just all goodness. Crème de cassis, lavender, graphite, cinnamon and licorice all grace this exquisite, wonderfully nuanced Cabernet Sauvignon. There is almost no sensation of tannin. The 2018 impresses with its magnificent purity and pedigree. Time brings out the wine's inherent gravitas and pure power. Readers who can find it are in for a treat! (AG) 98+
Flirting with perfection, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from this tiny family estate shows the pure, elegant, yet concentrated style of this vintage to a T. Darker currants, cassis, olives, violets, and spring flower notes all flow to a full-bodied, concentrated, ultra-classic, flawlessly balanced Cabernet. The tannins are present yet polished, it has wonderfully integrated acidity, and is one of those wines that keeps you coming back to the glass. Count yourself lucky if you’re able to snag any bottles. It will ideally be given 4-6 years of bottle age and it’s going to evolve for 20-25 years or more.