Schrader Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

This “Schrader” label comes from Beckstoffer’s To Kalon vineyard in Oakville, produced from clone 4 grown on the C2 block. It is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged in 100% new Darnajou and Taransaud French oak barrels for 18 months. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard has a wonderfully perfumed nose of potpourri, baking spices and dusty soil over a core of crème de cassis, blueberry pie and flamboyant Indian spices. Full-bodied, super firm with super ripe tannins and lovely freshness, it delivers layer upon layer of black fruit preserves and exotic spices, finishing long and beautifully poised. Give it a good 3-5 years in bottle to really strut its stuff and drink it over the next 30+ years.

A powerful, backward, and concentrated wine, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Schrader exhibits a dense purple/plum color as well as an extraordinary bouquet of blackcurrants, dark chocolate, graphite, gravelly earth, and tobacco leaf. It takes plenty of air to show at its best, and I suspect 3-4 years of bottle age are warranted, but this full-bodied, multi-dimensional 2018 has flawless balance, building tannins, and is just loaded with potential. 

An expressive, seductive nose, showing notes of plums, dark fruit, flowers and some vanilla. Full-bodied and well structured with firm tannins. Powerful. A great cabernet sauvignon that will benefit from aging. Better after 2025 .

A stunner from the start, as gorgeous waves of cassis, warmed plum sauce and blackberry pâte de fruit flavors cruise through with authority, inlaid with a graphite spine and backed with notes of violet, black licorice snap and roasted apple wood. This doesn't quit either, echoing with fruit and earth through the extremely long finish. Very impressive. Best from 2022 through 2040.