2023 East vs West Icons Set (ETA Late October)

2023 Macdonald

Based on 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from To Kalon and aged 20 months in 60% new French oak, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is just incredible stuff. Deep and inky hued, it offers cassis, currants, and black cherries intermixed with graphite, crushed stone, crayons, and lead pencil-driven notes. It's incredibly well-concentrated, has ripe, polished tannins, and a gorgeous finish. This magical, deep, layered, and sensationally complex wine should be snatched up by readers. Give bottles 4-5 years if you can, and it will keep for 50 years or more. Drink 2029-2074.

2023 Riverain Tench Reserve

A tiny selection of top barrels from this site, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard Reserve shows incredible cassis, graphite, crushed stone, iron, and Asian spices among its nuances, and this absolutely magical effort is full-bodied on the palate, with a deep, layered mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and a great, great finish. It's pure gold in world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Hide bottles for 4-5 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following two decades. There are 279 cases produced. Drink 2029-2049.