Wine reviews
Dark and intense, with concentrated currant, black cherry, mocha and espresso bean flavors that firm up, supported by tight, chewy tannins and a rich aftertaste. Closes down on the finish, with cedary lead pencil and oak flavors. Best from 2007 through 2012. 175 cases made. – J. L.
This is a small garage winery producing a total of 800 cases of old vine Zinfandels and high-quality Cabernet Sauvignons. The latter wines emerge from one of Napa’s great vineyard sites, Beckstoffer’s To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville. What is different at Schrader is that they produce three Cabernet Sauvignons representing different clones, in this case Clones 4, 6, and 337. The winemaking is strictly artisinal and non-interventionalistic, with the Cabernets spending 18-22 months in primarily new Darnajou barrels prior to being bottled. The 2003s performed superbly after bottling, clearly superior to their performance from barrel. The 2003 Schrader RBS Cabernet Sauvignon (Clone 337 from the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard) exhibits wonderful pure cassis fruit, hints of licorice and roasted herbs, a long, concentrated attack and mid-palate as well as finish, with big volume and texture. It is supple-textured with sweet tannin and low but adequate acidity. This wine can be drunk now or cellared for 12-15 years.