Wine reviews
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon The G T O springs from the glass with bold crème de cassis, blackberry pie, preserved plums and cigar box scents with hints of incense, underbrush, Chinese five spice and tree bark. Big, rich, opulent and full with firm, grainy tannins and gabs of spicy black fruit, it has a velvety texture and long, layered finish. – LPB
The standout, although not by much, is the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon The G.T.O, which comes from a mix of the Three Kinds, The Grand Daddy, and the O.G. There are only 25 cases (it’s released in magnum), but it’s a candidate for the wine of the vintage with its stunning bouquet of crushed violets, white flowers, cassis, and graphite aromatics, full-bodied richness and depth, building tannins, and its layered, multi-dimensional, seamless texture. Competing with what this estate achieved in both 2015 and 2016, give bottles 4-5 years, and it should cruise in cool cellars for 20 years or more. Hats off to Mark Carter and winemaker Mike Smith for one of the wines of the vintage! – JD