While at the Cab Franc Forward event in early February in New York City, I got the chance to see some of my favorite people - including those of Macari. Gabriella Macari. Gibson Campbell. Byron Elmendorf. Macari has a great team!
Macari has always been a family run business, from Joe Macari Sr, Joe Macari Jr., Alexandra Macari, Joseph M. Macari, and Gabriella Macari. Gabriella has been the face of the winery over the last 3-5 years, and a spokesperson for the company. She is also a co-founder of the Cab Franc Forward NY organization and event. She told The Fizz four years ago, "I went to college (Fordham) and studied marketing and business. Today, I’m involved in overseeing winemaking and viticulture with my brother and our winemaker Byron. I’m managing hospitality and the tasting room, the wine club, and direct to consumer sales." She's a busy lady. And she has an exceptional palate. I have tasted along wised with her, and she is extremely knowledgeable and perceptive.
Also there for Macari were winemaker Byron Elmendorf and sales director Gibson Campbell. "Gibson is a key, longtime staff member, wine educator, and Sales/Tasting Room Manager at Macari. Known for his knowledgeable and engaging demeanor, he often leads tastings and acts as a representative for the family-owned winery." I've tasted with Gibson on multiple occasions, both at Macari and on panels. A great guy. Byron is an accomplished winemaker whose work I greatly admire. He has really made a major contribution at Macari, and is really turning out refined, sophisticated quality wines. Also a great guy. And fun to geek out with when it comes to wine speak. Great to run into those two as well.
As always, the first one I tried was their always impressive Horses Cabernet Franc sparkling wine made from Cabernet Franc. Bright notes of fresh bright cherry, strawberries, and citrus fruits. with a touch of cream. There's a lovely mousse. And it's so easy to drink, and so fun. Always, always a winner.
The Macari Estate Cabernet Franc 2022 100% Cabernet Franc is 100% estate Cabernet Franc, 100% destemmed, that went through a 15-day maceration on the skins. It was then aged for 15 months in neutral oak. This wine started off with lots of fresh red fruit - red raspberry, dark cherry, bright strawberry - there was also a touch of the floral to the nose and a hint of herbs and spices. This was fruit forward, but with a lot going on - in a terrific way. You could nose the glass, or sip the wine, four or five times, and detect something new with each attempt. Lovely middle, and a well structured end made this a crowd pleaser perfect for family gatherings to to drink with friends.
Without question, the Macari Cabernet Franc Lifeforce 2023 was my big favorite. The wine is 100% destemmed Cabernet Franc. The wine goes through a 14-day maceration on the skins, and then undergoes full malolactic conversion. The wine is aged in concrete eggs for 7 months, and was bottled May 21, 2024. This is such an incredible wine. One of my absolute favorite bottles from the tasting.
Red raspberry and strawberry jump out of the glass. But there are also much more pronounced savory notes of herbs and spices -as promised, ancho chili, truffle, and notes of cedar waft come through. There are light, but firm tannins, and the wine finishes with an acidity that keeps the fruit lingering for an immensely long time.
This wine is among my favorite expressions of Cabernet Franc consistently, not just on the east coast, but anywhere in the US. Fresh, but with backbone and complexity, it is a combination of new world and old world sensibilities. Just an absolutely terrific wine. A true winner!
Macari Shimmered and Impressed at Cab Franc Forward - and beyond.