Wine reviews

December 2015

From the iconic site, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard was aged in 100% new French oak for 22 months prior to bottling. This is a blockbuster effort with a dense purple color, sweet toasty oak, licorice, incense and layers of concentration. It comes across as a first-growth Pauillac in need of a good 8-10 years of cellaring. Purlieu has certainly hit a home run with this effort. It tips the scales at 15.5% alcohol. Forget it for 5-8 years, and drink it over the following 25-30 years.-RP

November 2016

On solid footing, with firm, fine-grained tannins amid a core of dusty blackberry, wild berry, black olive, anise and cedary oak. Drying on the aftertaste, but the finish is persistent. Drink now through 2028. 100 cases made. –JL