Wine reviews
Weighing in at 15.7% alcohol on the label, Stewart's 2021 Nomad Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon understandably shows a touch of warmth on its long, velvety finish. It's also characterized by scents of dark chocolate, an almost fudge-like presence that lessens the impact of the cassis and plum fruit. It's a polarizing style, one that strives to make up for a certain lack of freshness with weight and concentration. – JC
Out of all the Stewart Cellars wines in their NOMAD lineup that I tasted for the 2021 Vintage Report, this was the most balanced and drinkable, even at 15.7% alcohol. A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 22 Months in 90% new French oak from the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard. A rich, toasty oak nose is complemented by juicy blackberry, creme de cassis and mocha. Full-bodied with chewy tannins that pile on the mid-palate and build in stature as waves of juicy blueberry and blackberry fruit gain momentum when those tannins finally resolve. It's a big, powerful blockbuster of a wine that will deliver a lot of upfront drinking pleasure from a historic site. Enjoy it now for its opulent exuberance, and drink up over the next 5-7 years. – JC
I loved the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon NOMAD Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, a sexy, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with lots of cassis and blue fruit, some flowery incense, violet, and leafy herb notes, sweet tannins, no hard edges, a stacked mid-palate, and a gorgeous finish. This sexy, powerful, opulent 2021 has so much to love and will evolve for 15+ years. - J.D.
A dense version, with a walnut husk note lacing up its core of black currant and fig reduction flavors, while alder, tobacco and warm cast iron accents provide a stout pedestal. There's inner freshness in the form of bay leaf and savory elements, and the structure is fine-grained. This character-filled red should cruise in the cellar. Best from 2026 through 2045. 300 cases made. - J.M.