2011 MacDonald Cabernet Sauvignon
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon is an impressive effort from brothers Alex and Graeme MacDonald in just their second commercial release. Naturally, the 2011 doesn’t have the volume or intensity of the best years, but it still captures all the signatures of To Kalon. Hints of crème de cassis, licorice, lavender and spice emerge with a bit of coaxing. In 2011, the MacDonalds used only the old-vine section of their family’s vineyard. The 2011 is naturally a bit slender, but it is very nicely done in an elegant, silky style that is quite appealing.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Beautiful balance of aromatics to flavour, flavour to structure, structure to length, tannins to acidity, rocky minerality to gracefulness. This is an impressive wine that simultaneously gives a sense of meticulousness and abundant life. Just a beautifully grown and crafted wine. Layers of aroma and flavour – notes of tobacco and earth, a hint of liquorice, black olive and just enough mixed peppers to lift everything. Shows cherry and blossom aromatics through palate but isn’t about the fruit. Fine balance and mouthfeel. Ultra-fine tannins and a persistent long finish. Lovely purity here. (ECB)
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon has turned out beautifully. The flavors and overall intensity are a bit dialed down. What emerges is a wine built on nuance, precision and mid-weight structure. In 2013 the flavor profile tends towards the red end of the spectrum, which is unusual for To-Kalon, but there are no hard edges, green notes or other signs of the challenging year. Pomegranate, iron, smoke and spice overtones add nuance in a rare Cabernet from MacDonald that will drink well pretty much right out of the gate. In 2011, the MacDonald brothers used only the oldest, dry-farmed portion of their vineyard.