Wine reviews
Very rich, if a bit of a letdown after the '07. Shows massively concentrated blackberry, cherry and mocha fruit, and overwhelms by its sheer power, with tannins as finely ground as anywhere on earth. But the finish is rather sweet and jammy, and the wine, good as it is, seems best opened now and for the next six years. -- S.H.
The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard boasts a dense ruby/purple color along with notes of cedarwood, black currants, Christmas fruitcake, earth and spice. The complex aromatics are followed by a fullbodied wine displaying lots of beautifully pure fruit. Approachable now, it promises to evolve effortlessly for 10-15 years. This relatively new Rutherford winery continues to turn out impressive wines that merit attention from consumers
Aromas of dried berry, spice, blackberry and herbs are similarly taut and dry, leading to a full body. This is tight and focused, with a mixed fruit, ginger-nut bread edge. Ends with clean tannins. Best from 2012 through 2020. 125 cases made. J. L