A nice, firm and good Livermore Cabernet with structured tannins and good bones, length and a roundedness that works. Black currant and nutmeg flavors prevail. The wine spent a while in all new Hungarian oak. McGrail is also a vineyard source to look for on other Livermore producer’s bottles.
— V.B.
(11/1/2011)
A very well-done Livermore Cab aged in 100% Hungarian oak and named “The Good Life,” this one’s got plum and spicy cola going on and tastes young though it’s a 2008. Its structure shows more potential to age—the fruit will integrate with the wine’s subtle savory herbs.
— V.B.
(3/1/2012)
Another nice effort from McGrail, a Cab from their estate vineyards that shows dark plum, vanilla and tobacco and a soft roundness, all around its tannins crying out for red meat.
— V.B.
(3/1/2012)
Strong lemon and ripe Gala apple aromas are followed by vanilla and flan flavors. This Chardonnay, with its classic oaky notes, is rich and creamy and full, with a smidgen of sweetness on the finish.
— V.B.
(3/1/2012)
Aromatics of aged wood and leather armchair with a touch of sweet tobacco, this Cab out of Livermore is rich and full and shows a fair amount of American oak along with an extraordinarily high acidity that seems slightly out of balance.
— V.B.
(7/1/2011)