Wine reviews
From a Grand Cru site in Oakville, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard shows ripe blackberries, cassis, spring flowers, graphite, and some chalky, crushed stone-like minerality. Aged 26 months in 100% new French oak barrels, it's full-bodied, rich, powerful, and structured, with terrific purity and balance. It's going to need bottle age, but it is clearly a brilliant wine in the making.
Sourced from A, B and D Blocks of the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, this Cabernet Sauvignon underwent fermentation in a mix of stainless steel tanks, concrete and barrels before ageing for 28 months in 100% new French oak. It leads with that characteristic loamy To Kalon earth character, layered with gravelly mineral intensity and black and blue fruit notes, alongside fennel and sagebrush. Broad-shouldered and powerful, the wine is structured by bold, muscular tannins that build through the long, mineral-rich finish.
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon comes tearing out with rambunctious notes of black currant jelly, plum pudding, and sautéed herbs, followed by sparks of crushed rocks, graphite, forest floor, and cracked black pepper. The full-bodied palate features generous black fruit preserves flavors, herbal/savory accents, and a firm, grainy texture, finishing long with enough freshness to lift the finish.
The Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Franc offers expressive tobacco notes, cassis, and elegant cedarwood aromas, alongside subtle espresso bean nuances. Expressive tannins provide a solid structural foundation, supporting the wine's layered depth of flavors. Despite its concentration, it remains light on its feet and serves as a lovely alternative way to experience the iconic To Kalon site; particularly for those who prefer something other than Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 28 months in 100% new French oak.