The Wine That Started It All

There are some wines that define a winery—this is ours. The McGrail Vineyards Cabernet Reserve was the very first wine we ever made, and its story is the foundation of everything we do today. From that first vintage, this wine captured the heart of our family and guests alike, becoming a true symbol of who we are: passionate, family-driven, and deeply rooted in the Livermore Valley.

Every year since, we’ve stayed true to the original recipe—the same vines, the same meticulous attention to detail, and the same oak blend that has earned McGrail Vineyards recognition among California’s finest Cabernet producers. The 2022 vintage proudly carries that legacy forward, offering richness, depth, and a sense of place that’s unmistakably McGrail.

The Wine

This estate-grown Cabernet opens with inviting aromas of black cherry, ripe plum, and cassis, layered with vanilla, cedar, and warm baking spice. Subtle notes of clove, nutmeg, and sandalwood add elegance and depth, while a whisper of dried herbs and tobacco brings savory complexity.

On the palate, bold flavors of blackberry and dark plum meet vibrant acidity, framed by firm yet refined tannins. The texture is rich and full-bodied—like a favorite wool blanket on a cool evening—balanced perfectly through to a long, graceful finish where dark fruit and spice linger harmoniously.

Enjoy it tonight with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, or herb-crusted lamb. For a vegetarian pairing, try grilled Portobello mushrooms or savory stuffed vegetables. And if you can resist opening it now, this wine will continue to evolve beautifully over the next 10–15 years.

Vineyard Notes

The 2022 growing season began with a wet winter that replenished the soils and set the stage for a balanced vintage. Spring and early summer brought consistent warmth, nurturing even vine growth and a steady fruit set. As summer deepened, several extended heat events concentrated the fruit’s flavors, while cool Livermore evenings preserved natural acidity.

Harvest began on September 10th, slightly earlier than recent years, yielding Cabernet Sauvignon of exceptional depth, ripeness, and structure. This vintage embodies the power, balance, and richness that have come to define great Livermore Valley Cabernet.

Winemaking Style

Our winemaker’s approach is like composing music (he is a musician after-all) —a blend of precision and artistry. Each vintage begins with the philosophy of using a “spice rack” of oak to bring out the full character of our estate fruit.

We age the 2022 Cabernet Reserve in a combination of French, American, and Hungarian oak barrels, each lending its own personality: French oak adds elegance and spice; American oak offers richness and smooth vanilla; and Hungarian oak ties it all together with a warm, toasty depth.

Approximately 70% of the barrels are new, allowing the wine to absorb bold, expressive flavors while maintaining balance and finesse. After 32 months in oak, the wine emerges layered, complex, and beautifully integrated—with a finish that seems to go on forever.

The Soul of McGrail Vineyards

This is the wine that built our story—the one we still open at family dinners, toasts, and milestones. It’s a reflection of our belief that great wines come from great vineyards, and that every bottle should bring people together.  Jim McGrail, the Visionary behind McGrail, insisted we make one thing right, before making anything else, and this is that wine!

If you’ve visited our hilltop estate, joined a wine club event, or simply shared a McGrail bottle with friends—you’re part of this story. The Cabernet Reserve is your invitation back home to the heart of McGrail.

Pair It With Moments That Matter

• Grilled ribeye with rosemary and sea salt

• Wild mushroom risotto

• Braised short ribs or Sunday pot roast

• A cozy evening with family and friends

Limited Small-Lot Release

Handcrafted with care, the 2022 Cabernet Reserve is produced in small quantities and offered first to those who have made McGrail part of their story. This is a wine that will age gracefully for a decade or more—but it’s equally irresistible today.

Cellar potential: 10+ years
Price: $49
Availability: Limited – once it’s gone, we wait another year.

Awards & Accolades

Recent Awards & Recognition

• 2021 Vintage — 92 Points, Wine Enthusiast; Double Gold, SF Chronicle Wine Competition, Sweepstakes Grand Star, Lone Star International Wine Competition

• 2020 Vintage — Double Gold, 96 Points, Los Angeles International Wine Competition

• 2019 Vintage — Best of Class, SF Chronicle Wine Competition

• 2018 Vintage — 93 Points, Wine Enthusiast

• 2017 Vintage — 94 Points & Cellar Selection, Wine Enthusiast

• 2008 Vintage — Sweepstake Red Wine Award, SF Chronicle Wine Competition - Best Red Wine in the United States