Wine reviews

2017 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard
The Wine Advocate 95 Points
October 2019

The deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon is closed, slowly opening to earthy, broody black fruit preserves with slight notions of herbs and licorice. This is a full-bodied, rich, ambitious wine with tightly wound layers and a mineral finish. – LPB

Wine Spectator 93 Points
November 2020

Warm and lush in feel, with ripe plum and blackberry puree flavors gliding through. Polished, featuring anise, apple wood and sweet tobacco notes on the finish, melding with a well of fruit. Shows a late tug of warm earth. Rocksolid. Best from 2022 through 2036. 515 cases made. – JM

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points
January 2020

Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from one of the Grand Cru sites in the valley, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon reveals a saturated purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of red, black, and blue fruits intermixed with notions of unsmoked tobacco, incense, decayed flowers, and forest floor. Beautifully complex, nuanced, and layered, with a full-bodied mouthfeel and loads of building yet ripe tannins, it's a stunning achievement in 2017 that's not far off what was achieved in 2016. Drink it over the coming 20 years or more. – JD