Winemaker Notes
Schrader Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard CCS is produced from 100% Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the C1 Block. This section of the vineyard is situated in the heart of the valley. An alluvial fan provides excellent mineral deposits, and the rich soils are filled with marine sediment. This wine is a rare blend of power, structure, and elegance that balances rich fruit with more delicate floral notes. Full-bodied with muscular structure and ripe, polished tannins.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
I thought the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard CCS was pure perfection, and it's my favorite in the lineup from Schrader. Coming all from a single parcel (it's all Clone 4) in this hallowed site, its inky purple hue is followed by sensationally pure aromatics of creme de cassis, spring flowers, graphite, and lead pencil shavings. I think I've rated this Cuv e perfect more than any of the other Cuv es (Old Sparky may come close) and it always seems to have another level of vibrancy and purity paired with an incredible level of fruit. Full-bodied, round, lush, and seamless, it has ultra-fine tannins, flawless balance, and a mouthfeel that's to die for.
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Decanter
Schrader Cellars' CCS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 was sourced from vines planted to a block of Cabernet Clone 4 and has consistently been one of the winery's most coveted blocks. An alluring, floral-driven nose presents a heady mix of red and black-toned fruits, a touch of walnut husk, and pomegranate seeds. The wine is expertly composed on the palate, with super-fine, seamless tannins and gorgeously lacy acidity that winds itself around succulent dark fruit flavours. The perfectly long finish is layered over a core of ironstone minerality. Exceptionally pleasurable to drink, this Cabernet will effortlessly age for several decades in the bottle.
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James Suckling
A classic, deep and structured wine that’s effusive in ripeness yet balanced and fresh. Enticing aromas of spearmint, bay leaves and green olives meet dense, lush blueberry and black cherry flavors. Made from Clone 4 cabernet grapes, the wine is delicious, complex, layered and spicy.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon CCS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard comes from block C1, planted to clone 4. Huge aromas of ripe black cherries are joined by hints of star anise, mocha and rich loam on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied, concentrated and velvety in feel, with a long, richly textured finish.
Rating: 97+ -
Wine Spectator
This is a stunner, with a wave of head-turning flavors of plum reduction, black currant preserves and açaí berry paste that expands as it moves along, offering just enough of an apple wood frame to give this red form.On the back end, there's a myriad of apple wood, licorice snap, violet, iris and menthol accents that flourish amid the fruit, adding remarkable range and detail.
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.