Wine reviews
A rich, explosive wine, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Lithology Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard possesses serious density and pure power. Super-ripe black cherry, dark chocolate, blackberry jam, mocha, cloves, new leather and spice build into a crescendo of aromas, flavors and textures. – Antonio Galloni
Opaque purple-black, the 2016 Lithology Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon (a barrel sample) sports notions of smoked meats, chargrill, fragrant earth and black truffles with a core of cassis and black cherry preserves, plus a waft of licorice. The palate is medium to full-bodied and beautifully refined, with elegant expression and a finely pixelated texture, finishing very long and very lively. 150 cases were made. – LPB
The To Kalon vineyard was one of the top sites in 2016, and the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Lithology Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard knocks it out of the park. Sporting a vibrant purple color and straight-up off the charts notes of black raspberries, cassis, flowery spice, and incense, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness and power, a multidimensional texture, and a huge finish, all while staying light and elegant on the palate. As sexy and opulent as it gets, drink this magical elixir any time over the coming 15-20 years. This cuvée spent 22 months in 80% new French oak. Hats off to winemaker Philippe Melka for another tour de force in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon! – JD
Aged 22 months in 80% new French oak, the very deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Lithology Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon has an amazingly profound nose of Indian spices, incense, crushed rocks and potpourri over a core of crème de cassis, preserved plums and blueberry pie with wafts of cedar chest and chocolate box. The palate is full-bodied and oh-so-decadent in the mouth with beautifully ripe, plush tannins and background freshness pushing the layered fruit to the forefront, finishing very long and very seductive. 150 cases produced. – LPB
Aged 22 months in 80% new French oak, the very deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Lithology Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon has an amazingly profound nose of Indian spices, incense, crushed rocks and potpourri over a core of crème de cassis, preserved plums and blueberry pie with wafts of cedar chest and chocolate box. The palate is full-bodied and oh-so-decadent in the mouth with beautifully ripe, plush tannins and background freshness pushing the layered fruit to the forefront, finishing very long and very seductive. 150 cases produced. – LPB