Schrader CCS Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Professional Ratings

• 100 Jeb Dunnuck
  The most structured and backward in the lineup, yet with incredible potential, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon CCS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is a monumental bottle of wine that ticked all my boxes. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 20 months in 100% new Darnajou barrels, it reveals a deep purple color as well as a myriad of blueberry and cassis fruits, candied violets, spice box, and licorice, with just a hint of background oak and a lead pencil note. With a full-bodied, layered, thrilling texture, masses of ripe tannins, and a more focused and elegant style than usual for this cuvée, forget bottles for 4-5 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following 25+ years.
• 99 James Suckling
  White pepper, fresh herbs and dark berries. Black truffles. Full body and layers of lightly austere tannins. It’s powerful and enchanting. Needs three to four years to come around. Try in 2023.
• 98 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  A barrel sample coming from the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, block C1 planted to clone 4, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon CCS has a very deep purple-black color and vibrant nose of crushed blueberries and black cherries with touches of mocha, beef dripping and cloves plus a hint of underbrush. The medium to full-bodied palate gives up pure, intense black fruit flavors and a solid backbone of grainy tannins, finishing long and earthy.
  Barrel Sample: 96-98
• 94 Wine Spectator
  Features a deep well of dark currant, fig and blackberry paste flavors, shrouded for now in ganache and roasted vanilla notes. Shows tarry grip on the back end, with good latent energy and a finishing kick of fruit. Wait this out with some cellaring. Best from 2021 through 2034.