Round Pond Estate, owned and operated today by the second generation of the MacDonnell family, is a highly sought-after and respected ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon producer, specializing in the creation of pure, expressive wines, artisan foods and unforgettable experiences—all from the heart of Napa Valley.
The MacDonnell family has been growing some of the finest wine grapes in Napa Valley’s acclaimed Rutherford region for over 40 years. Home to world-renowned American vineyards and some of the most coveted Cabernet Sauvignon fruit, Rutherford is widely recognized as one of the great viticultural regions of the world.
Over the years, the MacDonnells have cultivated a nurturing and sustainable relationship with the estate vineyard making the Cabernet Sauvignon prized by the numerous esteemed wineries who buy fruit from Round Pond. To make the Round Pond Estate wines, they have combined two generations of wine growing experience with the same artisan attention to detail they have learned are essential parts of crafting world-class olive oils and red wine vinegars. The goal is simple – by remaining true to time-honored traditions they strive to bring you the best the Napa Valley has to offer.
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Long Shadows Sequel Syrah is made from 95% Syrah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
An intensely colored wine with spicy aromas of cassis, smoked meats and a hint of olive tapenade woven throughout layers of black currant, blueberry and a trace of licorice. Wonderfully balanced, with a broad mouth-feel and soft tannins that hold together seamlessly.
Winemaking: Syrah’s delicate skin requires gentle handling during fermentation to extract richness without imparting bitter tannins, so winemaker John Duval uses a variety of techniques to produce a wide spectrum of flavors. A portion of the grapes were fermented using an Australian method known as “rack and return” that requires draining the tank twice daily and gently putting the juice back over the top of the skins. Whole-cluster fermentation was also used to enhance richness and dimension on the palate. Lastly, some of the lots underwent submerged cap fermentation to add structure and enhance the mouthfeel of the finished wine. Aged 18 months in 100% French oak barrels, 65% new.
Review:
Loads of black fruits, smoked game, liquid violets, and cracked pepper notes emerge from the 2018 Syrah Sequel, which has gorgeous Syrah wildness and gaminess, full-bodied richness, a pure, elegant, seamless texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. Count me impressed. You could safely put this up with the best Syrah coming out of Washington and California.
-Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points
Two Paddocks The Last Chance Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
A beguiling complex nose showing wild thyme, red fruit and a mix of spicy blackberry and plum aromatics. This gives way to a plush fully textured palate weight giving generous amounts of flavor built on an elegant, fresh and feminine framework, great tension and poise.
Review:
This has fantastic concentration and complexity. Earthy notes of bark, dried herbs, salty mushrooms and nori marry ripe red and purple berry fruit. Sleek and refined with well-integrated tannins. There's a peppery freshness shining through. Savory and long.
-James Suckling 96 Points