Located on an idyllic hillside in the Livermore Valley, the tasting room at McGrail Family Vineyards is designed to make everyone feel welcome and at home. Like their name implies, the winery is family owned and operated, so the McGrail’s focus isn’t on the “snobbier” accepts of wine. They want you to explore the vineyard and admirer the views just as much as they want you to enjoy their wines. In either case, they are both some of the best in the Valley.

 

Grape: Chardonnay

Winery: McGrail Family Vineyards

Region: Livermore Valley

Year: 2010

Special Designation: (none)

Price: 25-30

Review:

Aromatics of tropical fruit, oak, and vanilla greets the senses. With a sip, flavors of pineapple, toasty oak, and creamy vanilla drift over the palate. A lush, smooth white, that’s mouth-filling, yet easy to drink, fans of California Chardonnay will enjoy this very much. 593 cases produced.

Rating: 90

Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon 100% (rosé)

Winery: McGrail Family Vineyards

Region: Livermore Valley

Year: 2010

Special Designation: Vin Gris

Price: 25-30

Review:

Aromas of lush red berries and cream greet the senses. A sip reveals flavors of raspberry and cherry with a few floral highlights. A fairly round rosé with a balanced acidity, it’s fruit driven, quite approachable, and ideal for summer BBQ’s. Just 72 cases produced.

Rating: 88

Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon

Winery: McGrail Family Vineyards

Region: Livermore Valley

Year: 2009

Special Designation: Reserve

Price: 35-40

Review:

A bouquet of blackberries, currants, cherries, dark chocolate, and toasty vanilla greet the senses. A sip unfurls flavors of bramble fruit and cherries with accents of vanilla and sweet spice. A rich Cab with supple tannins and concentrated flavors, it drinks well now but will age very nicely too.

Rating: 90