2013 To Kalon Cabernet

96 Points, James Suckling

"This is a fantastic To Kalon with focus and precision. Plenty of spice, chili paste and dark fruit. Full body with a tight and linear finish. Extremely long and focused. Savory. Last vintage of To Kalon for this winery. Drink now but a long life ahead of it." -J. Suckling

With intense, ripe Favors and powerful structure, the 2013 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon dazzles with the personality of this famous vineyard. The wine’s luxuriously rich crème de cassis, blackberry and black cherry character unfolds with nuances of rum raisin, forest loam, coffee bean and bay laurel. Pecan and oak spice notes from new French oak barrels meld with the Cabernet Sauvignon expression, from the generous aromas through the broad, dark-fruit finish. Its muscular tannins enhance the textured palate and make it age-worthy, while bright, mouthwatering acidity balances the sun-ripened flavors. This limited bottling exemplifes perfectly balanced power and elegance as it captures its sense of place—To Kalon Vineyard. Only 780 cases produced.

2014 Howell Mountain Cabernet

The 2014 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon reveals its provenance with intense blackberry, cassis and plum notes framed by dynamic, mouth-coating tannins. Hints of bay laurel, bittersweet chocolate, earthy forest-loam and dried rose petal further speak to its sourcing from grapes grown in iron-laden, red volcanic loam soils high up on Howell Mountain. This rich, powerful wine will benefit from a decade of bottle aging; however, if served in its youth, we recommend decanting before serving.

2014 Sleeping Lady Cabernet

Dark and brooding, with tremendous intensity of deep-fruit character, this single-vineyard bottling of 2014 Sleeping Lady Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon captures both the distinctive vineyard and vintage. The wine’s powerful aromas and sensual flavors are layered with notes of black cherry, blackberry, licorice, crushed granite and violet. A streak of red-cherry acidity brightens the mid-palate. With its muscular tannins and opulent texture, this wine shows a beautiful balance of power and elegance. Aging in new French oak barrels, creating integrated warm nuances of caramel and oak spice through the lingering finish.