Winemaker Notes
The 2008 vintage produced another stunning rendition from the famed Beckstoffer To Kalon vineyard. Rich scents of plums and other dark fruits, hints of cocoa dark chocolate and dried herbs leap from the glass. Stunningly pure and ripe fruit proceeds to glide effortlessly on the palate and expand into a plush mouthful of blueberries, spice and leather. As expected these notes are carried through the mid palate and surrounded by a glycerol mouth feel that has to be tasted to be believed. As in past renditions of this wine for us, the concentration level reaches amazing heights and is framed perfectly with tannins that will allow this wine to age gracefully for 10 years and beyond.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
From a blueblood, first-growth vineyard, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon reveals an unmistakable “Paulliac in Napa” style. Blueberry, black currant, cedarwood, Christmas fruitcake, spice and licorice characteristics are present in this thick, juicy, concentrated Cabernet. It is another outstanding effort exhibiting elegance, power and richness. Enjoy it over the next 15 years.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.
The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.
Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.