Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2002

Professional Ratings

• 100 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard is one of the greatest young Cabernets I have tasted from California. Believe it or not, it reminds me of the way the 1986 Mouton-Rothschild tasted at age two or three. It is a classic from the tenderloin of Napa Valley – the Oakville corridor. This 650-case cuvee has a dense purple color to the rim and an extraordinary nose of cedar, licorice, spice box, and gobs of creme de cassis liqueur-like notes. The wine has tremendous opulence, massive body, but unbelievable intensity, balance, and overall harmony. There is considerable tannin and acidity that offers vibrancy and delineation, but all this is seamlessly integrated into this modern-day classic. This is a fabulous wine made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 100% new oak, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030. This wine requires patience.
• 94 Wine Spectator
  Fantastic aromas of black cherry, blackberry, currant, violets, mineral and light toasty oak, it coats the palate with a rich, dense, multifaceted array of flavors. The tannins are bold and concentrated too, though ripe. This is a potent young stallion of a Cabernet, with an exotic spicy finish.
• 93 Connoisseurs' Guide
  In truth, little about this massively built offering really surprises, given Mr. Hobbs's penchant for wines of commanding concentration and depth; and, while we expect that some might suggest that its extravagant oak and very ripe style are too much of a good thing, we admit to being wholly won over. As full, as fleshy and as out-and-out mouthfilling as any Cabernet from the vintage, it is a hedonist's dream with the solidity, structure and unstinting fruit to last and improve for a very long time.