Wine reviews
Broad-shouldered, intense and tannic, offering a tight beam of red and black fruits, with cherry, raspberry, cedar, sandalwood and tobacco leaf notes. Ends with chewy, friendly tannins. Best from 2014 through 2030. From California.—J.L.
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard The Grand Daddy is quite a bit richer and deeper, with more tannins than the regular To Kalon bottling, most of which can be attributed to the old clone 4 vines in this part of the vineyard, known as Block A2. Tar, licorice and smoke are some of the nuances that frame the finish. This tannic Cabernet Sauvignon is long on power, but finesse and character prove to be more elusive. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. Mike Smith crafts these rich, textured wines for proprietor Mark Carter. All of the wines are aged in 100% new French oak, which when coupled with the extraction, results in deep, concentrated wines.