Winemaker Notes
This year’s To Kalon Cabernet is a clear example of just why the Beckstoffer To Kalon vineyard is considered one of Napa’s “First Growth” vineyards. This wine shows the immense core of sweet, ripe tannins that allow for the graceful evolution in the cellar but also the incredible complexity of fruit and extract that allow it to be consumed young. Here is the loamy earth, blackberries and macerated red cherries that To Kalon is so able to do. What makes this wine so remarkable as well is just how broad its drinking window will be. This will be amazing on release and likely never really shut down.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This has incredible length and intensity. Aromas of oyster shells, truffles, herbs and wet earth. Blackcurrants, too. Subtle. Exciting energy and length to this wine. Better in 2022 but why wait?
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon is deep garnet-purple colored and scented of blueberry pie, warm black plums, cassis and chocolate with touches of soil, menthol and truffles. The palate is full-bodied, firm, rock solid, muscular, broody and tight, finishing very long and spicy. This should be very long lived!
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Wine Spectator
There's no mistaking the authority and presence of this youngster, which displays all the depth and complexity you might hope for while adding a measure of delicacy, finesse and textural suppleness, making this distinct and easy to enjoy. Drink now through 2034.
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Vinous
The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is a classic wine from this era at TOR. Super-ripe black cherry, plum, new leather, blood orange licorice, spice and mocha infuse the 2014 with tons of depth and texture, building into a finish marked by a distinctly exotic, flamboyant character.
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.