General Reviews
“This small estate’s production is limited, but these wines merit attention…”
“The Best of Northern California: 2007, 2006, 2005” Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, December, 31 2008
“The Macauley label was first established by Ann Macauley Watson in the early 1980s and was known for a late-harvest Sauvignon Blanc made by winemaker Ric Forman. Her son, Mac, revived the label in 2000, after a 13-year hiatus, with help from childhood friend and winemaker Kirk Venge. From the 2004 vintage, there are two Macauley releases: the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard and a broader Napa Valley bottling.” –MaryAnn Worobiec
“California’s Surprising 2004 Cabernets: 20 to Watch” Wine Spectator, November 15, 2007
2008 Vintage Reviews
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer To Kalon
Score: 93“Pure, rich and graceful, brimming with ripe, zesty wild berry, raspberry, black licorice and lead pencil. Full-bodied and very stylish, though not what you expect from a To Kalon bottling. Drink now through 2022.” –James Laube
Wine Spectator, November 15, 2011
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
“The dense ruby/purple-colored 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals attractive notes of loamy soil, black currants, cherries and background wood. Medium-bodied with firm, aggressive tannins and noticeable wood, it is a solid effort that will benefit from several years of bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022.”
“The Best of Northern California, Part I,” Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, December 23, 2010
2007 Vintage Reviews
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Score: 96
“A stunningly good Cabernet. Just dazzling in sheer delicious fruit, yet wonderfully structured. So smooth and velvety, flooding the mouth with layers of blackberries, black cherries, cassis, chocolate, mint, spice and toast. The tannins are thrilling, being firm and soft at the same time. The vineyard sourcing was Star, in Rutherford, and Stagecoach, on Atlas Peak, with a few drops from Beckstoffer To Kalon. Very great now, and should develop over the next 10 years.” –S.H.
“Buying Guide” Wine Enthusiast Magazine, June 2011
2007 Special Selected Late Harvest Botrytis Sémillon, Alexander Valley
Score: 96
“This is one of the best dessert wines available from California. It’s dazzlingly rich and sweet in orange jam, apricot, honey, buttered cinnamon toast and créme brûlée flavors. The intense sweetness is perfectly balanced with crisp acidity, and the wine despite its sweetness accomplishes the miracle of finishing dry and clean. The grapes are 100% Sémillon.” –S.H.
“Buying Guide” Wine Enthusiast Magazine, June 2011
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer To Kalon
Score: 93
“Intense and concentrated, with a stylish mix of cedar, espresso, currant, blackberry, sandalwood and black licorice flavors. Pure, ripe, full-bodied and focused, with a long, lingering finish that keeps repeating the berry and sandalwood themes. Best from 2012 through 2014. 198 cases made.” –James Laube
“2007 Napa Cabernets” Wine Spectator, July 26, 2010
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Score: 92
“Complex and layered, showing spicy herb, currant, blackberry and spice flavors, with touches of cedar and dill. Full-bodied, supple, graceful, stylish and focused, ending with a long, soothing, persistent finish. Best from 2011 through 2018. 480 cases made.” –James Laube
“15 2007 Napa Cabernets” Wine Spectator, August 16, 2010
2006 Vintage Reviews
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer To Kalon
Score: 91-93
"The impressive, deep ruby/purple-tinged 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard exhibits aromas and flavors of black fruits, incense, cedar, new saddle leather, and loamy soil. This rich, full-bodied offering displays surprisingly velvety tannins for a 2006, along with a big structure and superb density as well as power. Drink it over the next 15+ years.” –Robert Parker, Jr.
“The Best of Northern California: 2007, 2006, 2005” Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, December 31, 2008
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Score: 90
"Licorice, cedar, charcoal, black currant, and barrique characteristics are present in this well-made, young, substantial, full-bodied 2006. While the tannins are not intrusive, they are more noticeable than in the 2005. It, too, should drink nicely for 10-15 years.” –Robert Parker, Jr.
“The Best of Northern California: 2007, 2006, 2005” Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, December 31, 2008


