McGah Family Cellars

McGah Family Cellars is operated by the family that founded and ran the Oakland Raiders franchise from 1960-2005 in various forms. I can't really speak much to the football portion of this review except that I tried these the day after Oakland lost to Denver 37-21. I did not have a dog in the fight, as I am a fan of the Cleveland Browns and accept all arguments that come with that position. Why do I not root for my hometown Tennessee Titans? Well, when the Houston Oilers spent a season in Memphis they didn't get a lot of love, knowing that they would find their final home in Nashville. Besides, Memphis is a town where everyone roots for a different sports team, and it's not even city specific. You'll find a Steelers fan who loves the White Sox and wears a Hartford Whalers jersey when appropriate. It's all mixed up. During the year I spent in the great city of Cleveland, Ohio, or as I prefer to call it, the Metropolis of the Western Reserve, I finally discovered what it was like to be in a city where you could walk through a neighborhood and, depending on the season, there would be flags of the Indians, the Browns, or the Cavaliers flying from every door stoop.

With that being said, let's move on to the wines.

2011 McGah Family Cellars 1070 Green Sauvignon Blanc
Rutherford, California
91% Sauvignon Blanc, 9% Semillon
541 cases made
$25, 14.2% abv.

Interesting Bordeaux Blanc blend that has a lot of New World elements. Lots of lime pith and fresh grass with bright acidity and a long, lingering herbal finish. One that needs to be served cold with a platter of raw shellfish and no other accompaniment.

2010 McGah Family Cellars Scarlett Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford, California
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
267 cases made
$60, 14.9% abv.

A seasoned and serious Napa Valley Cab. Black cherry and green bell pepper aromas emerge at first, while elements of leather and tobacco develop as it opens. Deep berry flavors on the palate with a strong and medium tannic finish. Certainly one that you will want to save for a dry-aged steak topped with red wine butter.

Note: These wines were provided as samples.