2016 Schrader Cellars RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA (750 ml)

TASTING NOTES:

“A barrel sample coming from the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, blocks B1, B2 and E2 planted to clone 337, the very deep purple-black 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon RBS To Kalon Vineyard opens with sage, cedar chest and black pepper with a core of black cherries and mulberries plus touches of tar, mossy bark and truffles. Medium-bodied, firm and fresh, the palate features great purity and vivacity with some mineral notions coming through on the finish. “
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 98 pts

“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard comes from another Beckstoffer-owned vineyard, purchased from Beaulieu in 1993. This larger site is located on the western side of Oakville, with the Beckstoffers owning a key tenderloin section encompassing just over 80 acres. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon offers a sweet bouquet of black cherry cake, incense, crme de cassis, and chocolate. Beautifully concentrated, with terrific tannins and full-bodied richness and depth, its another 2016 that will benefit from short-term cellaring.”
Jeb Dunnuck, 97 pts

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:

The 2016 vintage was marked early in the growing season by rains that helped to recharge the suffering aquifers with much needed rain that helped to alleviate the drought. As the growing season began flowering presented itself with a small crop that was helped through the season by near perfect summer weather. These ideal conditions continued through harvest where we were able to pick at optimal concentration. The resulting wines from this vintage have intense concentration with a great natural balance that likens itself to the consistent growing season.