2010 Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine was tasted as part of 2010 Napa Valley at the NoMad Rooftop, which was held on April 22, 2015.

Brothers Graeme and Alex MacDonald are among the new generation of emerging winemakers in Napa Valley. For more than 50 years the MacDonalds have sold fruit to the Robert Mondavi Winery. The MacDonald family acquired their choice parcel in the heart of To Kalon almost by accident, as it was part of the purchase of a summer home. Robert Mondavi expressed interest in the fruit. Upon his receipt of the first crop Mondavi paid more than the previously agreed upon a rate and a deep relationship was cemented that continues to this day. In 2009, brothers Graeme and Alex MacDonald began keeping a little of their fruit to make their own wine, realizing a long-held dream. Graeme MacDonald spent time at Colgin, before moving to Opus and Scholium Project, a pretty wide-ranging assignments befitting a young, highly inquisitive winemaker. More recently, John Kongsgaard has been a mentor. Alex MacDonald handles the business side of things. Together, the MacDonald brothers are poised to do special things. The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, their first commercial release, is the result of a dream, years of hard work and the inspiration of their late father. Readers won't meet too many young producers who are as passionate, humble and driven as the MacDonald brothers. I imagine the 2010 will be long gone by the time this review is published, but readers who have a chance to pick up the wine, or, even better, visit the property, should not hesitate.