Wine reviews
A barrel sample of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc expected to age 22 months in 100% new French Taransaud and Sylvain barrels, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon delivers beautifully perfumed black cherry compote, warm cassis and baked plums scents with hints of candied violets, star anise, pencil shavings and camphor. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is elegantly style with wonderful freshness and ripe, finely grained tannins supporting the perfumed black fruits, finishing long and fragrant. Very impressive! 125 cases are expected to be made. – LPB
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple in color, it comes bounding out of the glass with baked black plums, blackberry pie and ripe black currants notes plus hints of rose hip tea, cedar, unsmoked cigars and tilled soil. The full-bodied palate is jam packed with taut, muscular black fruits, featuring a solid frame of grainy tannins and bags of freshness, finishing on a lingering exotic spice note. 125 cases were made. – LPB
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is a more opulent, sexy wine yet still shows the elegance and purity of the vintage. Classy notes of black raspberries, cassis, dried flowers, herbes de Provence, and spice all flow to a medium to full-bodied, plush, seamless Cabernet. With perfectly integrated oak (it’s aging in new barrels), no hard edges, and a great finish, it’s going to drink nicely in its youth yet also age gracefully on its balance and purity. – JD
This vineyard did exceptionally well in the vintage, and the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard has more sexiness and opulence than most of the vintage. Revealing a dense purple color as well as a blockbuster-styled bouquet of crème de cassis, blueberries, candied violets, spring flowers, and tobacco, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a round and expansive texture, sweet tannins, and one heck of a great finish. This sexy, opulent, yet also perfectly balanced and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon will drink well for 20-25 years. – JD