Wine reviews
I loved the purity of the 2018 Cabernet Franc Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, which offers quintessential Cabernet Franc notes of blue fruits, spring flowers, sappy green herbs, earth, and ample minerality. Playing in the medium to medium to full-bodied end of the pool, it has remarkable purity of fruit, light tannins, and integrated acidity. There are only 75 cases produced, but it’s a beautiful expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Franc. – JD
Lastly, I loved the 2018 Cabernet Franc Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard from barrel last year, and it showed even better from bottle. Revealing a dense purple color as well as textbook Cabernet Franc notes of blue fruits, spring flowers, forest floor, and camphor, this beauty hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, an incredible sense of elegance and purity, ultra-fine tannins, and a great, great finish. Not far off a great vintage of Cheval Blanc, enjoy this incredible wine any time over the coming 15-20 years. Unfortunately, there are only 75 cases produced, so don’t miss a chance to grab a bottle if you can. – JD