Winemaker Notes
This Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon is a Clone 337 on 110 R rootstock and was planted in the early 1990’s. The clay and loam alluvial soils of the appellation give the vines very deep roots with excellent drainage. The berries are small and the bunches are tight, making for a concentrated and flavorful wine of “highest quality” and “greatest beauty.”
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to the barrel samples, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard (there’s 3% Cabernet Franc) is inky colored and heavenly, with layers of black and blue fruits, scorched earth, sweet spice and spring flower aromas and flavors. It's a powerhouse on the palate, yet stays light, graceful and beautifully balanced, with fine tannin and no sense of heaviness or rusticity. It's going to be a gem.
Barrel Sample
Range: 98-100 -
Wine Spectator
A rich expression of dark, polished Cabernet, offering mocha, dark berry, licorice and savory herb flavors, with a deep, plush texture that makes this fun to drink right now. Best from 2020 through 2032.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Blended of 97% To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% To Kalon Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard (a barrel sample) opens with baked berries, earth and spice box aromas with hints of meat and pepper. Big, full-bodied, rich and concentrated in the mouth, it's spicy and velvety with nice freshness and a long, savory finish.
Range: 91-93
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.