Winemaker Notes
Probably the densest To Kalon bottling to date, this wine exhibits aromas of crème de cassis, blackberry and chocolate. This full-bodied wine has the right balance of density, acidity and structure that will lead to a long and fulfilling life for those with patience.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard bursts onto the palate with mocha, spices, dark fruit, new leather, all of which come together seamlessly in the glass. There are plenty of tannins here, but the fruit is so textured they are barely perceptible. The 2009 is 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.
Realm is one of the most exciting young wineries in Napa Valley. Wendell Laidley and Juan Mercado founded Realm in 2002. Since then, they have put together an impressive collection of vineyard sources. Benoit Touquette, a protege of Michel Rolland, is now the winemaker. Rolland collaborated on the blends beginning in 2009. This is a gorgeous set of wines that deserves considerable attention.
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Wine Spectator
Deliciously rich blackberry, mocha, black licorice and spicy floral scents lead to a ripe, fleshy and full-bodied palate. Pure and persistent, this is long and elegant on the finish. Drink now through 2025.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.