Wine reviews
First made in 2015, the 2016 Cabernet Franc Beckstoffer To Kalon is a co-fermentation of two blocks and is 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in new oak. Just singing on the nose with awesome notes of spring flowers, layers of black and blue fruits, flowery forest floor, spice, and incense, it’s full-bodied, incredibly powerful, deep, rich and intense. However, despite it’s almost over-the-top style, it stays seamless and weightless, and just glides over the palate. Another perfect wine from Benoit Touquette and the team at Realm, this is a legendary Cabernet Franc from Napa that’s going to have 20-25 years (or more) of prime drinking. – JD
The 2016 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Franc, blended of 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, is deep garnet-purple colored and a little youthfully mute, slowly revealing notes of mulberries, warm redcurrants, black raspberries and black cherries with touches of pencil shavings, tar, crushed rocks, chargrilled meats and sautéed herbs. The medium to full-bodied palate is grainy, very fresh and vibrant with a rock-solid frame and long, earthy finish. – LPB