Wine reviews
This comes from B, D and F blocks among Beckstoffer's sections of To Kalon vineyard, all of which sit atop ancient riverbeds. The vines are strictly managed to one cluster per shoot, which I think made all the difference in 2018. This barrel sample of the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon gives a very deep purple-black color, opening with an earthy/meaty nose of mossy tree bark, wild fungi, fertile loam, chargrill and aged beef over a core of Black Forest cake, baked blackcurrants and warm plums with a waft of cigar box and wonderful floral nuances emerging with coaxing. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with muscular black fruits and earthy accents, framed by firm yet beautifully ripe, fine-grained tannins tannins, finishing epically long and fantastically fragrant. WOW! – LPB
Featuring mostly clone 337 out of F-block from Beckstoffer's section of To Kalon vineyard, these vines are strictly managed to one cluster per shoot. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon displays a very deep purpleblack color, slowly unfurling to reveal expressive notes of iron ore, tilled loam, tar and tobacco leaf over a core of ripe, juicy black currants, blackberries compote and plum preserves with a touch of crushed rocks. Medium to fullbodied, the palate is built like a brick house, sporting super-firm, super-ripe tannins and a lively line of freshness to support the dense, muscular black fruits, finishing long and earthy. 300 cases were made. – LPB
The 100% Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon comes from one of the valley’s greatest sites and is all Cabernet Sauvignon still aging in new French oak. It has an ethereal yet powerful style that carries awesome crème de cassis, liquid violets, lavender, and flowery incense aromas and flavors. With a massive core of fruit, ripe, polished tannins, no hard edges, and a heavenly finish, this is Napa Valley magic all the way. – JD
All Cabernet Sauvignon from one of the great terroirs for Cabernet in the world, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard reveals a vivid purple hue to go with an incredible bouquet of pure crème de cassis, white flowers, lead pencil shavings, violets, orange blossom, and flowers. A rich, full-bodied, opulent wine, it's nevertheless as classy as they come, with perfect integration of its tannins, acidity, alcohol, and oak. Power married to incredible richness, enjoy bottles any time over the coming 20-25 years. – JD