Wine reviews
Unfolds to offer a mix of dark berry, graphite and black licorice notes, firming midpalate and gaining traction thanks to the long, gripping tannins. Best from 2014 through 2026.—J.L.
Sourced from one of the most storied vineyards in Napa Valley and a wine that clearly shows its high pedigree, the Beckstoffer To Kalon bottling is the very obvious star of the Janzen cast. All of its compelling aromatic complexity is fully replayed on the palate, and its wonderfully rich interplay of specific cassis, black olives, sweet oak and loam sustains from first sniff through to a remarkably long finish and handily buffers its considerable tannin. There is no question at all about its ability to age, and we foresee a decade or two of increasing beauty in its future.
The most complex and expensive is the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Janzen Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard. Aged in 100% new Taransaud oak, this opaque purple-colored effort shows lots of rich crème de cassis fruit intermixed with hints of tapenade, vanillin, white chocolate and spice. Rich and full with silky tannins, this sensational Cabernet Sauvignon can be drunk over the next 25 years. The alcohol is 15.5% and it is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from clone 337.