2011 MacDonald Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (10/16/2026)
A friend from out of town was passing through and stopped by for a visit and dinner and pulled this out. Decanted and followed through and after dinner. Was delicious but a touch tight. We left the remaining 1/2 bottle in the decanter overnight and it blossomed. Restrained dark fruit still quite ripe, with lovely texture impeccable balance. Blackberry, black currant, cedar, tar, tobacco wrapped in nuance. Super tasty but in 15 more years will be a classic. So fortunate to have been able to follow this bottle that is way above my pay grade.
It’s not like it is shut down. It’s a beautiful wine right now it’s drinking very well but the structure tells me that at 30 it will be fabulous. I’m speaking to its potential IMO.
I’ve been told the ‘16 is legendary.
I took a ‘16 to a decent dinner last month. Despite decanting all afternoon, the consensus was unfortunately that it was a bit disappointing … although also way too young, so perhaps time will improve it.
day?