Shay A

9.5

Heck of a hosting by @Weston Eidson last night for the City Club wine group. All wines were tasted blind.

When tasting next to the MacDonald, it was incredible how much more ripe fruit was present here. I mean, straight up oozing blackberries and blueberries. I pondered if there could even be Malbec in this based on how inky and juicy it was at the core. I went back and forth between calling this Australian Cabernet or Howell Mountain Zinfandel. There was Andes mint and fig with a rich finish. I had the ‘16 during my visit earlier this year and found it to have a touch more savory notes. — 6 years ago

with joe, Dan and 2 others

Erick Davis

9.6

A delicious gift from James MacDonald — 8 years ago

Mason Balistreri

Sommelier, International Wine Guild; Balistreri Vineyard; Sales, Joy Wine and Spirits

9.2

6 hours deep into a thanksgiving debate on the importance of natural wine, trump, sulfites, norm macdonald, and why vouvray always smells like peanut brittle. — 9 years ago

with Raymond

Julia Weinberg

9.8

Tokalon history lesson courtesy of @Graeme MacDonald. Amazing how a 50 year old wine can still be so alive and yes, delicious. — 9 years ago

with Daniel and Graeme

Christina Gibbs

9.2

Sold out in TC. Had to drive back to Detroit. — 12 years ago

Tom Inners

9.0

Popped this after a recent discussion with @Ian Macdonald comparing notes on St. Urbans-Hof. A needed check in of the 2016 vintage in the Mosel as well. A daily drinking pick-up from my last trip to Bottle Barn (Santa Rosa, CA).
8.5% abv
A.P. = 3 529 290 14 17 — 7 years ago

Shay A

9.7

Weston hosted Friday group today and was it definitely a can’t miss tasting. Wow! Absolutely knocked it out of the park with heavy hitter after heavy hitter. Similar to Wednesday group, all wines are tasted blind.

My first Maybach. From the first time it was poured in my glass until the last taste, this was my favorite (though the ‘13 Macdonald tied it in the end). Sweet rhubarb pie on the nose, palate was very clean...not overdone. Red, blue and black fruits, nutmeg and red cinnamon. Insanely good. — 7 years ago

with Weston

Jason and Jennie

9.0

Worthwhile zin from the sierras in the low 20s — 9 years ago

Carlo Mondavi

Owner/Winegrower RAEN Winery, Partner Continuum

9.5

Beautiful wine... I was in the cellar this year and remember how healthy the fruit and vineyard was... Chiseled rows by hand... This was back when my father was in charge of the vineyard and cellar. Farming was pure and clean. It's disappointing to see how the farming has changed post 2004 (after constellation took over)... With that said you can still find beautiful organic farming adjacent to where this came from via @Graeme MacDonald To Kalon vineyard (not named To Kalon even though it is historically a To Kalon Vinyard and site). That along with a few others are the real To Kalon and real wines worthy of collecting in this area today... But this wine was delicious. — 10 years ago

Steve Anderson

9.1

Named Anastasis for its “resurrection” in the cellar after fermentation issues. From low-yielding Sauv Blanc vines near Rutherford that were pulled after the 2013 vintage. Sherry notes, with some apple, nut and yellow jujube character. If you go in thinking Jura, you will enjoy this more than if you go in thinking California. Interesting wine. Only about 14 cases, hand bottled by @Graeme MacDonald and @Johanna Jensen according to Abe’s notes. Interesting that I will have consumed about 4% of total production by the time I finish my bottles. — 7 years ago

Tom Inners

9.6

Lots of fun. @Ian Macdonald opened a stunner and then proceeded to take all my money on the poker table. This wine carries all the richness my wallet once had. — 7 years ago

Martin A. Cody

9.1

Another treat from the difficult 2011 vintage of you new where to look. So small Delectable couldn't identify but wow is this a powerful, muscular and balanced cabernet. Similar to a Lambo, it's flashy but you know the power is within. Stunning and delicious. — 8 years ago

Tracy Clarke

9.3

At Hotel MacDonald — 9 years ago

MaryAnn

8.9

Plum tastes, light purple color. Very good for the price — 10 years ago