Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Generously layered in black fruit and oak spice, this memo- rably wine from the great site is supple in tannin and plenty rich. Darker undertones of dried herb, crushed rock and cocoa powder play along, adding to the overall complexity and desirability of this wine, which shows well now but should age impec- cably. Enjoy best from 2029–2039.
Cellar Selection -
Jeb Dunnuck
There are a scant nine barrels of the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, a gorgeous example of world-class Cabernet Sauvignon that shows the supple, elegant, seamless style of the vintage nicely. Brought up all in new barrels (there might be a splash of Cabernet Franc in here as well), it has a ruby/plum hue as well as terrific complexity in its red and blue fruits, flowery incense, fruitcake, and sweet tobacco aromas and flavors. This medium to full-bodied, seamless, layered Cabernet Sauvignon has perfectly integrated spicy oak, flawless balance, soft tannins, and one great finish.
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Wine Spectator
Forward, with a mix of raspberry and blackberry puree backed by red licorice and apple wood on the finish, which is lightly dusted with cocoa powder. Drink now through 2034.
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.