Greetings from Napa Valley,

"Dulce Periculum" is the Macauley clan motto. Many of you have inquired over the years as to the meaning of this Latin text that appears on the Macauley label. When I decided to incorporate the family crest into our label, it was important to me not to omit these two words. The phrase, which translates to "sweet danger," epitomizes my relationship with wine. It is the anticipation and moment of discovery I experience as a collector of wine. It is ever present in my journey as a vintner. It is the thrill I feel each harvest as the elements of that year and my own judgment culminate in the formation of a unique vintage. It is my relationship to a particular vintage. Dulce Periculum is the appreciation I feel for the ephemeral nature of wine, while relishing its bold essence.

How would I describe the 2008 Macauley Cabernets? Dulce Periculum. From an overall perspective the vintage goes down as one of the best of the decade, however it transpired on a much gloomier note. More than 30 days of frost in the spring lead to a natural thinning process that diminished yields from 25 to 100% in some parts of Napa Valley. Nevertheless, the modest crop we received, along with the culmination of a relatively consistent growing season gave us two big and beautifully balanced Cabernet Sauvignons that I now offer you.

2008 Macauley Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon, Oakville

This wine had me reeling for two days after trying it! It possesses the heart and soul of an artist and a fighter. A wine better described as a song sung by Johnny Cash in the middle of his prime. A big entry and a resounding affect. The nose, middle, and length of this wine are all massive! The aromatics deliver a full force spectrum of uber-ripe red fruit. The part that is most impressive is the seamless balance of aroma with the thick mixture of jam, blackberry preserves, warm barrel vanilla and hints of sweet cooking spice. To Kalon continually not only delivers the goods in aromatics, but it is most known for its pure, velvety fruit on the palate. This '08 shows the full-bodied muscle and restrain of a very low yielding vintage. Rich red cherry and currants blend with barrel caramels and espresso cake crust. The flavor plants itself on the palate and stretches for over 60 seconds of pure exhilaration. I hesitate to say that this may be my finest winemaking to date. Cellared correctly, I think this wine will drink very well to 2032 and longer. - Kirk Venge, Winemaker

2008 Macauley Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

This is one truly enjoyable Cabernet. It offers a look into the blend of two of Napa Valley's most revered AVA's or Viticultural Areas. This blend consists of 57% grapes, farmed by famed grower David Abreu, of Rutherford's Star Vineyard, and 43% from Beckstoffer's Oakville Missouri Hopper Vineyard. Star typically possesses a lifting, ripe red fruit spectrum, and Missouri Hopper, a headier, blacker fruit array. Together they make one of my favorite Napa blends. The wine begins with a dark purple invitation. The aromas play to the tune of heady blackberry, dark chocolate-dipped cherry, faint dried herbs and a mixture of oak spice and vanilla. Its presence is rich. The palate is medium to full body with liveliness and a youthful structure. Black fruit, mature vine age and dignified terroir are the key pieces in defining this wine. Even though this is very young wine, it has the pedigree, poise and maturity of a classic Napa Valley Cabernet. It is difficult to wait patiently to see what becomes of this Cab in its twilight years. I'm banking on nothing less than breathtaking. Cellared correctly, this wine should survive to 2027 and beyond. - Kirk Venge, Winemaker

As we have just rebuilt our website, anyone who has not logged on in the past three months will need to create a user name and password. If you have any questions or issues with ordering you can reach Kady
at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 707.963.1863

Wines will ship in early November. 

Dulce Periculum!

Mac Watson