Wine reviews
An early peek at the 2015s reveals what seems to be another incredible year in Northern California, but with small yields, especially for Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but even Bordeaux varietals were down in production. The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard has a dense purple color, is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from clone 337, and is a profound example of Cabernet Sauvignon – seriously ripe, but not overripe, with gorgeous blueberry and blackberry fruit, graphite/lead pencil shavings intermixed with toast, spice box and flowers. It is full-bodied, with seamlessly integrated tannins, acidity and alcohol. This is a killer effort and should turn out to be an amazing wine to drink in its first 25-30 years of life. Owner Susan Boswell exploits some of the finest terroirs in the Napa Valley, working with French winemaking consultant Philippe Melka. These are all expensive, but impressive wines. Don’t forget, although I didn’t taste them on this trip, Susan Boswell also produces Chardonnay from the famous Russian River Ritchie Vineyard and Pinot Noir from Rita’s Crown in the Santa Rita Hills.
Very deep purple-black colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon gives up notions of baked cherries, plum preserves and crème de cassis with an earthy undercurrent and dried Mediterranean herbs accents plus truffles and tilled soil notions. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and laden with black fruit preserves and earthy layers, it has a solid frame of grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long. 193 cases were made. – LPB