MacDonald release is imminent!!!

The release that many of us have been eagerly awaiting is almost here!

I have been informed that “Save the Dates” will be sent out shortly, and they will indicate that the release is a week from Tuesday.

This is for the 2017 vintage. I have it on good authority that in 2017, MacDonald picked their fruit about 3 weeks before the fires struck in Napa/Sonoma Counties. MacDonald has always tended to pick earlier than many other top Cabernet based wineries, so their vineyard management in 2017 was in keeping with their normal practice.

Sounds like the '17 was a blend of the top rows from all 3 sections of their vineyard, including the 60-70 year old 1/2 acre that many of us are familiar with.

Additionally, they were done with their fermentations before the power outages that may have plagued other wineries in the middle of crush. So their winemaking was unaffected in 2017.

I also hear that production may have crept us very slightly from the '16.

I have yet to taste the '17 as I wasn’t able to travel out to CA earlier this year as I normally do, but I think many here on the board have had the pleasure.

Certainly look forward to hearing what everyone has to say about this impending release!

Anyone looking to share an allocation this year to keep your place on the list, feel free reach out to me.

2017 MacDonald Cabernet Sauvignon, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review
OCTOBER 16TH, 2019 BY LOREN SONKIN

Best of Napa, Oakville, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California

What a treat. On a recent visit to Napa, we go to walk the vineyards with Alex MacDonald and learn so much about this venerated vineyard and hear about the “newer” winemaking at MacDonald. And to top it off, we got to try the recently bottled 2017 Cabernet (not yet released). The story is worth Googling , but the short version is that at the heart of the To Kalon Vineyard in Napa are some very old Cabernet Sauvignon vines. They have been owned by the MacDonald family since 1954. These have been used in the top Mondavi wines since before there was even a Mondavi Winery. Due to some copyright restrictions, the MacDonald brothers (Alex and Graeme) can not use the name To Kalon. But, they get the pick of the oldest vines and best grapes. Some of the vines are 60 years old, yet amazingly virile and healthy. Hopefully, there will be an article on this winery on this site soon. For now, another tasting note will have to suffice.

The 2017 had been decanted for about 8 hours prior to us trying it. It is purple in color with some deep ruby swirls. The nose is open and very nice. It is big but more in an elegant way. Black cherries, cassis, slight cigar box with underlying char. There is a slight amount of oak (fresh lumber) showing at this age but seemed to integrate quickly in the glass. On the palate, this is surprisingly soft yet with medium tannins. Fresh and lively black cherry fruit with a bit of black licorice. Very nice balance. Long finish. This outshone a 2014 consumed the prior night (note is posted on this site) as it was more accessible and bigger flavors although the 2014 was a bit shut down. They make less than 400 cases and have a waiting list of almost 5,000. Still, this is one to sign up for and hope for the best. It is so young a range would likely be more accurate than a score, but that would be 95-99!

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I’ve sadly got at least a handful more years of cheering from the sidelines, but will look forward to hearing the comments from those much luckier than I
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I am undoubtedly in the same boat.

FWIW production bumped up nicely in 18. That will be the year some of you will get your chance and it is a great vintage

I tasted this with Alex at Bistro Jeanty back in early March (so, 32 years ago it seems), and it was delicious. The ‘17 is another in a long string of epic vintages for the MacBros.

I am looking forward to the release.

I too am a number of years out from an allocation, but if someone wants to share their allocation to stay on the list, please send a DM. Thanks

I, too, would gladly share someone’s allocation in the greater Chicagoland area.

I’ll share a btl when an ultramarine buyer shares some at cost :wink:

EDIT: Shoot…Sorry this was a sarcastic joke at my many failed attempts to get some UM at cost… I do have an allocation of MacD, but i’m sharing some with friends already… Please spare my inbox… [cheers.gif]

Good chance I don’t get an allocation but fingers crossed.

You guys are really generous to help folks out by sharing their allocations!

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The 17 was smoking in January after a few hour decant so line up. Some Herculean efforts of the team and some local friends to stave off the fire made this possible. Saw some pics re the course of the fire while in the vineyard and it really made an impact on how real and imminent the threat was. Unreal stuff.

When is release?

Excited to buy my usual case and 3 magnums but hoping I get a 3 Liter this year. How many years does it usually take before you get a 3L?

I signed up in 27 BC and have not been offered a 3L yet, but hoping for this year.

It’s only offered to the super awesome tier…
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