Macauley Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon 2016

The Macauley Vineyardlabel was initially established in St. Helena in the early 1980s by Ann Macauley Watson. For several years produced a very well-received late harvest Sauvignon Blanc with help from the renowned winemaker, Ric Forman. In the late summer of 2000, Ann's son Mac went to work for Rudd Estate in Oakville. After several months of winery work and education, he was inspired to revive the family label and, working with winemaker and childhood friend Kirk Venge, crushed his first grapes in October 2001. 

Mac and Kirk have one goal: to source the highest quality fruit in Napa Valley and make wines of extraordinary depth and personality. The grapes they choose emphasize the vineyards' terroir and create a remarkable wine-drinking experience.

Macauley Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon was born of select yields of the highest quality fruit grown in the exclusive vineyard blocks of Oakville. Macauley is particularly proud of this phenomenal 2016 vintage. It is a dark, savoury wine full of power and harmony, with a dense bouquet bursting with dark cherry and plum. Aromas of ripe black currant, blackberry and cherry reduction are accented with 100% new French Oak notes of vanillin, caramelized sugar and toffee. This is a velvety red that washes over every corner of the mouth. It's tempting to uncork this wine today, but it will be fascinating to see where it goes 10 or 15 years into the future.

100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck    The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard appears to be a perfect wine in the making. Its inky purple colour is followed by an incredible bouquet of crème de cassis, forest floor, blueberries, huge minerality, full-bodied richness, and an elegant, oh so fine and silky texture that carries masses of fine-grained tannin. It's an utterly sensational 2016 that marries huge richness and power with a sense of elegance, purity, and finesse.

95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate    Deep garnet-purple coloured and with a nose of vibrant black currants and blackberries plus earth, spices and some meaty elements, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is full-bodied, rich and concentrated, very spicy and earthy in the mouth with firm, chewy tannins and good length.

93 Points - Wine Spectator    Dark and winey, featuring well-steeped black currant, fig and blackberry fruit flavours, entwined with loam, smouldering tobacco and bittersweet chocolate notes. Frankly hefty, but shows the cut and drive for balance, with a latent tug of terroir—best from 2021 through 2030.