2017 McGrail Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Technical Data
- Grape Source: McGrail Vineyards
- Appellation: Livermore Valley
- Production: 863 Cases
- Varietal Content: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Oak: French, Hungarian, and American
- Titratable Acidity: 0.62
- Residual Sugar: 0.01
- pH: 3.7
- Alcohol Level: 14.6%
Vineyard Notes
If there is such a thing as a “normal” vintage, 2017 was it. We had average rainfall, spring was warm-ish and the summer was warm-to-hot. Heat in the summer can actually slow down the ripening as the vines want to shut down to conserve water that is respiring faster than it can uptake. Yields continued in the normal range and fruit quality continued to be exceptional.
Winemaking Style
Our winemaker believes in using a “spice rack” to create this complex Cabernet. We blend French, American, and Hungarian oak. Approximately 70% of the oak is new each vintage and the wine ages for about 30 months in this oak.
The Wine
This opulent garnet wine opens with cherry, cassis, spicy clove, dark mocha chocolate, and toasty vanilla. The palate matches the nose, but supplements it with density, great structure, and notes of plum, lavender, and remnants of the tobacco you’d find in an old Cuban cigar box. Bold, but smooth tannins frame the full-bodied mouthfeel of this classic Cabernet, leaving a lingering impression of fruit and spice. Pair this wine with an all-American burger, Italian oxtail, or a hearty, rosemary-crusted prime rib.
Pairing Suggestions
2016 McGrail Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Awards & Accolades
- Editor’s Choice & 92 Points – Wine Enthusiast
- Gold – San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
- Gold & 94 Points – West Coast Wine Competition
- 92 Points – Blue Lifestyle Wine Reviews
Technical Data
- Grape Source: McGrail Vineyards
- Appellation: Livermore Valley
- Production: 1,465 Cases
- Varietal Content: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Oak: French, Hungarian, and American
- Titratable Acidity: 0.64
- Residual Sugar: 0.012
- pH: 3.68
- Alcohol Level: 14.7%
Vineyard Notes
We welcomed an extra large dose of precipitation in 2016, which was a relief after several years of drought. This precipitation helped refill our reservoirs and flushed out our soils. The vines responded with normal yields and incredible flavors. Spring was very wet and warm. Summer was hot and dry, making for an almost perfect growing season. After several drought vintages, it was refreshing to get back to “normal”. The growing season continued its trend of harvesting on the early side of the year. The light yield led to fruit ripening early and our Cabernet was ready to pick by late September. We picked our entire vineyard between September 29th and October 2nd.
Winemaking Style
Our winemaker believes in using a “spice rack” to create this complex Cabernet. We blend French, American, and Hungarian oak. Approximately 70% of the oak is new each vintage and the wine ages for about 33 months in this oak.
The Wine
This opulent wine opens with spicy clove, dark cherry, coffee, caramel, and toasty vanilla. The palate is equally impressive with density, great structure, and notes of blackberry, anise, and a hint of tobacco. Bold tannins frame the full-bodied mouthfeel of this classic Cabernet, leaving a lingering impression of fruit and spice.
