2021 Macauley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

DEC96 The Reserve is a combination of Oakville 360 vineyard owned and farmed by the Renteria family and Star Vineyard in Rutherford, initially designed by Ric Forman, David Abreu, and the late Reg Oliver, and farmed today by Reg’s son Jack Oliver. Also, there is fruit from Star Vineyard, which is on this alluvial bench in Rutherford—aged in 100% new oak for 27 months. A super smooth, gorgeously satiny and layered Cabernet with deep dark Bing cherry fruit, blackberry, and cassis with heady iron-stone mineral notes. Silky tannins are chocolaty, and the finish is long and layered with wild herbs. This is a very pretty and refined expression from a vintage full of concentration. This is a bright spot and so easy to drink out the gate. Owner Macauley (Mac) Watson worked at Rudd Estate for a few years before venturing out on his own in the early 2000s. He owns no vineyards but has long-term contracts with 14-16 different vineyards, among the absolute best in Napa. Total production is never more than 2,600 cases. The winemaker is Kirk Venge.
JD93-95+ The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve comes from Oakville and sports a deep purple hue as well as a juicy, rich, full-bodied, nicely structured style. It has classic Oakville darker black and blue fruits, some olive and iron notes, ripe, building tannins, and a great finish.