{"product_id":"2022-cabernet-reserve","title":"Library: 2022 Cabernet Reserve","description":"\u003ch1 data-start=\"351\" data-end=\"397\"\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003ch3 data-start=\"398\" data-end=\"434\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"402\" data-end=\"432\"\u003eThe Wine That Started It All\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"436\" data-end=\"823\"\u003eThere are some wines that define a winery—this is ours. The McGrail Vineyards Cabernet Reserve was the very first wine we ever made, and its story is the foundation of everything we do today. From that first vintage, this wine captured the heart of our family and guests alike, becoming a true symbol of who we are: passionate, family-driven, and deeply rooted in the Livermore Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"825\" data-end=\"1187\"\u003eEvery year since, we’ve stayed true to the original recipe—the same vines, the same meticulous attention to detail, and the same oak blend that has earned McGrail Vineyards recognition among California’s finest Cabernet producers. The 2022 vintage proudly carries that legacy forward, offering richness, depth, and a sense of place that’s unmistakably McGrail.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr data-start=\"1189\" data-end=\"1192\"\u003e\u003ch2 data-start=\"1194\" data-end=\"1210\"\u003eThe Wine\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"1212\" data-end=\"1514\"\u003eThis estate-grown Cabernet opens with \u003cstrong data-start=\"1250\" data-end=\"1308\"\u003einviting aromas of black cherry, ripe plum, and cassis\u003c\/strong\u003e, layered with \u003cstrong data-start=\"1323\" data-end=\"1364\"\u003evanilla, cedar, and warm baking spice\u003c\/strong\u003e. Subtle notes of \u003cstrong data-start=\"1382\" data-end=\"1415\"\u003eclove, nutmeg, and sandalwood\u003c\/strong\u003e add elegance and depth, while a whisper of \u003cstrong data-start=\"1459\" data-end=\"1486\"\u003edried herbs and tobacco\u003c\/strong\u003e brings savory complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"1516\" data-end=\"1824\"\u003eOn the palate, bold flavors of \u003cstrong data-start=\"1547\" data-end=\"1575\"\u003eblackberry and dark plum\u003c\/strong\u003e meet vibrant acidity, framed by firm yet refined tannins. The texture is rich and full-bodied—like a favorite wool blanket on a cool evening—balanced perfectly through to a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1749\" data-end=\"1774\"\u003elong, graceful finish\u003c\/strong\u003e where dark fruit and spice linger harmoniously.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"1826\" data-end=\"2118\"\u003eEnjoy it tonight with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, or herb-crusted lamb. For a vegetarian pairing, try grilled Portobello mushrooms or savory stuffed vegetables. And if you can resist opening it now, this wine will continue to evolve beautifully over the next 10–15 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr data-start=\"2120\" data-end=\"2123\"\u003e\u003ch2 data-start=\"2125\" data-end=\"2147\"\u003eVineyard Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"2149\" data-end=\"2513\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"2153\" data-end=\"2176\"\u003e2022 growing season\u003c\/strong\u003e began with a wet winter that replenished the soils and set the stage for a balanced vintage. Spring and early summer brought consistent warmth, nurturing even vine growth and a steady fruit set. As summer deepened, several extended heat events concentrated the fruit’s flavors, while cool Livermore evenings preserved natural acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"2515\" data-end=\"2795\"\u003eHarvest began on \u003cstrong data-start=\"2532\" data-end=\"2550\"\u003eSeptember 10th\u003c\/strong\u003e, slightly earlier than recent years, yielding Cabernet Sauvignon of exceptional depth, ripeness, and structure. This vintage embodies the \u003cstrong data-start=\"2703\" data-end=\"2735\"\u003epower, balance, and richness\u003c\/strong\u003e that have come to define great Livermore Valley Cabernet.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr data-start=\"2797\" data-end=\"2800\"\u003e\u003ch2 data-start=\"2802\" data-end=\"2826\"\u003eWinemaking Style\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"2828\" data-end=\"3041\"\u003eOur winemaker’s approach is like composing music (he is a musician after-all) —a blend of precision and artistry. Each vintage begins with the philosophy of using a \u003cstrong data-start=\"2963\" data-end=\"2986\"\u003e“spice rack” of oak\u003c\/strong\u003e to bring out the full character of our estate fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"3043\" data-end=\"3331\"\u003eWe age the 2022 Cabernet Reserve in a combination of \u003cstrong data-start=\"3096\" data-end=\"3143\"\u003eFrench, American, and Hungarian oak barrels\u003c\/strong\u003e, each lending its own personality: French oak adds elegance and spice; American oak offers richness and smooth vanilla; and Hungarian oak ties it all together with a warm, toasty depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"3333\" data-end=\"3605\"\u003eApproximately \u003cstrong data-start=\"3347\" data-end=\"3377\"\u003e70% of the barrels are new\u003c\/strong\u003e, allowing the wine to absorb bold, expressive flavors while maintaining balance and finesse. After \u003cstrong data-start=\"3477\" data-end=\"3497\"\u003e32 months in oak\u003c\/strong\u003e, the wine emerges layered, complex, and beautifully integrated—with a finish that seems to go on forever.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr data-start=\"3607\" data-end=\"3610\"\u003e\u003ch2 data-start=\"3612\" data-end=\"3649\"\u003eThe Soul of McGrail Vineyards\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"3651\" data-end=\"3883\"\u003eThis is the wine that built our story—the one we still open at family dinners, toasts, and milestones. It’s a reflection of our belief that great wines come from great vineyards, and that every bottle should bring people together.  Jim McGrail, the Visionary behind McGrail, insisted we make one thing right, before making anything else, and this is that wine!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"3885\" data-end=\"4103\"\u003eIf you’ve visited our hilltop estate, joined a wine club event, or simply shared a McGrail bottle with friends—you’re part of this story. The Cabernet Reserve is your \u003cstrong data-start=\"4052\" data-end=\"4076\"\u003einvitation back home\u003c\/strong\u003e to the heart of McGrail.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr data-start=\"4105\" data-end=\"4108\"\u003e\u003ch2 data-start=\"4110\" data-end=\"4151\"\u003ePair It With Moments That Matter\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul data-start=\"4153\" data-end=\"4310\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4153\" data-end=\"4198\"\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"4155\" data-end=\"4198\"\u003eGrilled ribeye with rosemary and sea salt\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4199\" data-end=\"4224\"\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"4201\" data-end=\"4224\"\u003eWild mushroom risotto\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4225\" data-end=\"4267\"\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"4227\" data-end=\"4267\"\u003eBraised short ribs or Sunday pot roast\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4268\" data-end=\"4310\"\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"4270\" data-end=\"4310\"\u003eA cozy evening with family and friends\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003chr data-start=\"4312\" data-end=\"4315\"\u003e\u003ch2 data-start=\"4317\" data-end=\"4349\"\u003eLimited Small-Lot Release\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"4351\" data-end=\"4605\"\u003eHandcrafted with care, the \u003cstrong data-start=\"4378\" data-end=\"4403\"\u003e2022 Cabernet Reserve\u003c\/strong\u003e is produced in small quantities and offered first to those who have made McGrail part of their story. This is a wine that will age gracefully for a decade or more—but it’s equally irresistible today.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"4607\" data-end=\"4725\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4607\" data-end=\"4628\"\u003eCellar potential:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10+ years\u003cbr data-start=\"4638\" data-end=\"4641\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4641\" data-end=\"4651\"\u003ePrice:\u003c\/strong\u003e $49\u003cbr data-start=\"4655\" data-end=\"4658\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4658\" data-end=\"4675\"\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Limited – once it’s gone, we wait another year.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr data-start=\"4727\" data-end=\"4730\"\u003e\u003ch2 data-start=\"4732\" data-end=\"4758\"\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Accolades\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"4760\" data-end=\"4793\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4760\" data-end=\"4791\"\u003eRecent Awards \u0026amp; Recognition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul data-start=\"4794\" data-end=\"5345\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4893\" data-end=\"4988\"\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"4895\" data-end=\"4988\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"4895\" data-end=\"4909\"\u003e2021 Vintage\u003c\/em\u003e — 92 Points, \u003cem data-start=\"4923\" data-end=\"4940\"\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e; Double Gold, \u003cem data-start=\"4955\" data-end=\"4986\"\u003eSF Chronicle Wine Competition, \u003c\/em\u003eSweepstakes Grand Star, \u003cem data-start=\"5301\" data-end=\"5343\"\u003eLone Star International Wine Competition\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4794\" data-end=\"4892\"\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"4796\" data-end=\"4892\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"4796\" data-end=\"4819\"\u003e2020 Vintage\u003c\/em\u003e — Double Gold, 96 Points, \u003cem data-start=\"4846\" data-end=\"4890\"\u003eLos Angeles International Wine Competition\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cul data-start=\"4794\" data-end=\"5345\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4989\" data-end=\"5056\"\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"4991\" data-end=\"5056\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"4991\" data-end=\"5005\"\u003e2019 Vintage\u003c\/em\u003e — Best of Class, \u003cem data-start=\"5023\" data-end=\"5054\"\u003eSF Chronicle Wine Competition\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"5057\" data-end=\"5106\"\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"5059\" data-end=\"5106\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"5059\" data-end=\"5073\"\u003e2018 Vintage\u003c\/em\u003e — 93 Points, \u003cem data-start=\"5087\" data-end=\"5104\"\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"5107\" data-end=\"5177\"\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"5109\" data-end=\"5177\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"5109\" data-end=\"5123\"\u003e2017 Vintage\u003c\/em\u003e — 94 Points \u0026amp; \u003cem data-start=\"5138\" data-end=\"5156\"\u003eCellar Selection\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem data-start=\"5158\" data-end=\"5175\"\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"5178\" data-end=\"5257\"\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"5180\" data-end=\"5257\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"5180\" data-end=\"5194\"\u003e2008 Vintage\u003c\/em\u003e — Sweepstake Red Wine Award, \u003cem data-start=\"5224\" data-end=\"5255\"\u003eSF Chronicle Wine Competition - \u003cstrong\u003eBest Red Wine in the United States\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"5260\" data-end=\"5274\"\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003chr data-start=\"5347\" data-end=\"5350\"\u003e","brand":"McGrail Vineyards and Winery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42953405988935,"sku":null,"price":79.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0687\/8461\/9591\/files\/2022-Cabernet-Reserve.png?v=1791224148","url":"https:\/\/mcgrailvineyards-2.myshopify.com\/products\/2022-cabernet-reserve","provider":"McGrail Vineyards and Winery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}