2018 MacDonald, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville

MacDonald Vineyards, helmed by brothers Alex and Graeme, meticulously farms a historic parcel within Oakville's famed To-Kalon Vineyard, a site stewarded by their family for generations using exclusively organic methods. These old, dry-farmed Cabernet Sauvignon vines are rooted in the well-drained alluvial gravels of the Oakville benchlands, imbuing the wine with a distinct sense of place. Winemaking emphasizes purity through minimal intervention, including native yeast fermentation and aging in carefully selected French oak. The 2018 vintage, characterized by a near-perfect growing season with mild temperatures and an unhurried harvest, allowed for optimal physiological ripeness. This resulted in a Cabernet Sauvignon defined by exceptional structural integrity, showcasing fully resolved, fine-grained tannins and remarkable acid retention, promising considerable longevity.