Livermore Wine Country's Hottest New Winery Will Makes It's Debut in Winter 2007!

Heidi Stagnitto – Wine Columnist

 I recently had the pleasure of being formally introduced to the vineyards and winery being developed by the McGrail family.  This massive new structure is destined to be one of the hottest spots yet in the Livermore wine country.  The location is spectacular and perfectly situated, not only for its ambiance, but for the prized fruit that is hanging from the vines.  The view of Mt. Diablo is one of the high focal points from the covered patio looking north.  Since the winery is situated on a graceful slope, the view of the valley floor faces personal vineyard estates that are breathtaking.  These estates consist of 20 acre parcels, covered in vines that surround fabulous estate homes.  To the east is Poppy Ridge Golf Course.  The eastern property line of McGrail Vineyards is contiguous with the 1 green of Merlot Golf Course and Poppy Ridge which is quite a prestigious spot.  To the south I can see the Cedar Mountain range which sits humbly in the distance.  The winery is near completion and awaiting final touches inside and a bit of landscaping outside.  I can see that this will be one of the most widely visited wineries in the Livermore wine region in the very near future. A great spot to enjoy the views, play a little bocce ball and linger with their premium Cabernet in a generous sized glass, suitable for the varietal.

This property was purchased by Jim and Ginger McGrail 10 years ago.  The McGrails quickly discovered that the soil in this location would produce some of the highest quality Cabernet Sauvignon in the valley. The soil is perfect for producing intense high quality fruit due to its rich nutritional value.  16 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon was planted with premium rootstock using vertical shoot positioning planted in a north to south direction.  With the sun rising in the east and setting in the west, the north to south positioning of the vines allows for equivalent sun exposure for the entire 16 acres.  This also eliminates excessive sun exposure which causes burning of the fruit.  The vineyard is farmed to perfection dropping both leaves and grapes twice a year to insure only the highest quality fruit makes it to your glass.  Thinning creates a balanced vineyard, where the nutrition and power of the vines are equally distributed to the remaining fruit

The wines are aged in American, French and Hungarian oak with a medium and medium plus toast.  This attributes to the explosive flavors that exude from this wine.  The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon was released in August of this year.  The wine has an aroma that leaps from the glass.  It is full bodied and with a delicate core of spice, tobacco and a hint of smokiness, complimented by blackberry and dark cherry.  The wine has beautifully even balanced tannins like the vineyard it is derived from.  It has amazing structure and sophistication on the pallet, yet it dances softly for the finish.

This wine is delightful on its own but also pairs beautifully with a rib eye steak with a dollop of blue cheese across the top.  This is what the McGrail's like to serve with the wine, but any hearty meal will enhance and compliment this powerful gem. 

The 2004 vintage has just been released and is now ready to drink.  The wine is specially priced at only $36 per bottle.  The 2005 vintage is aging in oak and will be bottled in 2008.  The 2005 vintage produced an ample amount of fruit and should yield over 1,500 cases.

To purchase the 2004 Cabernet, visit mcgrailvineyards.com or contact Heather McGrail at 925.549.1710.  She is the daughter of Jim and Ginger who graduated with honors from St. Mary's in Moraga.  She is brilliant and beautiful and is an amazing asset to the operation. 

The winery address is 5600 Greenville Road, Livermore, CA.  Register on the website to be personally invited to the grand opening of the winery in winter of 2007.  You can also find other retailers in the area that sell McGrail Cabernet.   

Until next month!  Happy Sipping and Cheers!

Heidi