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Old Sparky Accolades
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2023 To Kalon Vineyard Old Sparky 1.5L in Wood Box
— 99 JD
99 Pts. “The first release of this cuvée from the new Mondavi parcels, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Old Sparky is released only in magnum and raised all in new oak. It's a powerful, structured effort with an inky hue and ripe black fruits, graphite, crushed stone, lead pencil, and tobacco leaf that define the aromatics. It's incredibly concentrated, has a great mid-palate, a layered, building sense of structure, huge tannins, and a great finish. Hats off to Thomas Rivers Brown for continuing the incredible quality of this cuvée. Hide bottles for a decade if you can and it will keep for 30+ years. Drink 2035-2055”
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Old Sparky Accolades
Old Sparky Accolades
To Kalon Vineyard Accolades
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2022 To Kalon Vineyard
95 Pts. “For longtime Schrader collectors, this is the ‘new’ Schrader's Schrader. Since the fruit sourcing transitioned from Beckstoffer To Kalon to Mondavi's To Kalon side, vineyard manager Blake Wood has begun identifying blocks that meet the high-quality standards. "This, in a way, mimics the RBS bottling of Schrader," says winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, as he and Wood work to capture key blocks within the 177-hectare Mondavi To Kalon site that define the essence of this bottling. Aged for 20 months in 100% new French oak, Brown notes that the structure is excellent, the colour more saturated, and the palate more structured than ever. Intended to be the approachable drinker of the lineup—similar to the former RBS bottling, which featured Clone 337—this wine offers vibrant, upfront appeal. Expect dark cherry cola notes, a touch of sassafras, sweet oak spices, and mocha. Medium to full-bodied with a racy, fresh backbone, it features fine-grained, velvety tannins that lead into a finish layered with wild herbs, fennel and pressed flowers—a lively and captivating wine.”
94 Pts. “I loved the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard. It's a round, layered, supple, superb expression of the vineyard that has full-bodied richness, a round, layered, seamless mouthfeel, no hard edges, and sweet tannins. It's not going to make old bones, but given its balance and suppleness, I wouldn't be surprised to see this evolve gracefully either. Drink bottles over the coming 12-15 years.”
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Beckstoffer To Kalon Accolades
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2016 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard
— 99 JD, 98 WA, 96 WS
99 Pts. “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Schrader (aka Schrader Schrader) is another just about perfect wine from this unstoppable team at Schrader, which is lead by Thomas Rivers Brown. As with all these releases, it's 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and spent 20 months in 75% new Darnajou barrels and 25% new Taransaud barrels. Deep purple-colored, with a mammoth bouquet of blue fruits, liquid violets, camphor, and incense along with hints of oak and graphite, it's full-bodied, uber-rich and concentrated, yet also elegant and seamless. It's a rock star bottle of wine.”
98 Pts. “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is very deep purple-black in color, with opulent scents of exotic spices, sandalwood and cloves over a core of chocolate box, crushed black cherries, mulberries and black pepper with a waft of cedar. The full-bodied palate has a rock-solid line of ripe, grainy tannins, oodles of freshness and layer upon layer of spice and incense-laced black fruits, finishing on a compelling aniseed note.”
96 Pts. “A big, broad-shouldered wine, brimming with cassis, crushed plum and steeped blackberry fruit flavors, all pushed by a dense, loamy spine that courses through the middle. The sides are polished and the fruit powers through, imparting drive and providing contrast to the loamy character. Best from 2021 through 2040. 172 cases made.”
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RBS Accolades
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2018 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard RBS
— 99 JD, 97 WA, 97 JS, 96 WS
99 Pts. “Another heavenly wine in the lineup is the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard RBS, which comes from Clone 337 and a handful of different blocks in the vineyard. This deep purple-hued beauty has an incredibly seamless, elegant, yet full-bodied style as well as killer notes of creme de cassis, blueberries, wildflowers, violets, white chocolate, and new saddle leather. Flirting with perfection, the tannin quality, purity of fruit, alance, and overall harmony here is just about off the charts. It makes you want to drink the whole bottle, but it should age effortlessly for 25+ years.”
97 Pts. “Schrader’s RBS comes from Beckstoffer’s To Kalon vineyard in Oakville, produced from 337 clone grown on blocks B1, B2 and E2. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 100% new Darnajou and Taransaud French oak barrels for 18 months. Deep garnet-purple in color, it leaps from the glass with gregarious exotic spice scents—cumin seed, cloves and star anise—over a core of Black Forest cake, blueberry compote and black currant pastilles plus a waft of underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely coated with spicy, open-knit black fruit preserves flavors, marked by bright red-fruit accents. Supported by great tension and velvety tannins, it finishes on a lingering cinnamon toast note. 1,715 cases were made.”
97 Pts. “Aromas of red fruit, plums, herbs and dark chocolate with some bark and forest-floor notes. Full-bodied, yet very finely crafted and poised. Lots of fresh and dry herbs to the dark fruit at the finish. Lasts a long time. Try after 2024.”
96 Pts. “This is packed with steeped plum, blackberry and boysenberry fruit flavors, yet cuts a very focused line nonetheless, with a graphite underpinning keeping the fruit harnessed while licorice, alder and tar notes fill in on the back end. A muscular version that demands cellar time. Best from 2024 through 2038.”
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Heritage Clone Accolades
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2018 To Kalon Vineyard Heritage Clone
— 97+ WA, 96 WS
97+ Pts. “This is the very first vintage of this new label for Schrader. True to Schrader form, the wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from a single block in the southern part of Mondavi’s section of To Kalon vineyard. The “Heritage Clone,” a.k.a. clone 39, is pretty much exclusive to Mondavi To Kalon, with the exception of some cuttings Robert Mondavi may have given out. Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown noted that this clone produces very small bunches and tiny berries, equating to super intense fruit. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Mondavi Heritage Clone To Kalon Vineyard was aged in 100% new Darnajou and Taransaud French oak barrels for 18 months. Deep garnet-purple in color, it sings of stewed blueberries, plum preserves, Chinese five spice and fragrant earth, giving way to hints of beef drippings, iron ore, espresso, tobacco leaf and dried roses. Medium-bodied, it has a firm, chewy texture and loads of bright, lively freshness lifting the densely packed berry preserves layers, finishing very long and very spicy. This is certainly a singular style—somewhat atypical for the 2018 vintage, but nonetheless compelling.”
96 Pts. “There’s a distinct sassafras note buried in this version, wrapped in waves of cassis, warmed plum reduction and boysenberry compote flavors. Melted licorice and roasted apple wood provide a frame for it all, with the sassafras hint adding lift and energy through the finish. A big wine. Best from 2022 through 2038.”
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CCS Accolades
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2021 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard CCS
— 100 JD, 97+ WA, 97 WS
100 Pts “I thought the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard CCS was pure perfection, and it's my favorite in the lineup from Schrader. Coming all from a single parcel (it's all Clone 4) in this hallowed site, its inky purple hue is followed by sensationally pure aromatics of creme de cassis, spring flowers, graphite, and lead pencil shavings. I think I've rated this Cuvée perfect more than any of the other Cuvées (Old Sparky may come close) and it always seems to have another level of vibrancy and purity paired with an incredible level of fruit. Full-bodied, round, lush, and seamless, it has ultra-fine tannins, flawless balance, and a mouthfeel that's to die for. Drink this killer effort over the coming 25+ years.”
— Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com97+ Pts “The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon CCS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard comes from block C1, planted to clone 4. Huge aromas of ripe black cherries are joined by hints of star anise, mocha and rich loam on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied, concentrated and velvety in feel, with a long, richly textured finish.”
— The Wine Advocate97 Pts “ This is a stunner, with a wave of head-turning flavors of plum reduction, black currant preserves and açaí berry paste that expands as it moves along, offering just enough of an apple wood frame to give this red form. On the back end, there's a myriad of apple wood, licorice snap, violet, iris and menthol accents that flourish amid the fruit, adding remarkable range and detail. It's hard to lay off now, this is so generous, but this isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Drink now through 2045.”
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— James Moleworth, Wine Spectator
RBS Accolades
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2019 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard RBS
— 97+ WA, 97 JD, 97 JS, 96 WS
97+ Pts “The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is Clone 337, matured 18 months in 100% new Darnajou and Taransaud barrels. Marked on the nose by red berries, cherries and cedar, plus delicate cinnamon and clove shadings, this is a plush, concentrated full-bodied wine with a core of firmness to it and a long, lingering finish, both positive signs for aging. It's one of the more approachable Schrader wines this vintage, but it should easily go another two decades. ”
97 Pts “Lots of violets, flowery incense, cassis, and spice notes emerge from the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard RBS, a full-bodied, silky, elegant 2019 that shines just as much for its purity and balance as its richness and depth. Possessing good acidity, a lively, vibrant mouthfeel, supple tannins, and a great finish, it has plenty of up-front appeal yet should easily evolve for a solid 20 years if properly stored.”
97 Pts “Racy, dark nose with pulpy character. Dried lychee, lavender and sandalwood. This is quite juicy, ample and almost a bit ethereal, despite the color and high alcohol. There is a fine twist of salinity on the palate that runs smoothly with lots of purple flowers. Really immaculate. Almost soft texture. Drink or hold.”
96 Pts “Gushes with pure violet, plum and cassis notes, all flecked with hints of black tea, anise and sassafras. Driven, with a graphite underpinning providing a spine that stays in the background as the fruit stretches out. Approachable already but no rush at all. Drink now through 2038.”
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T6 Accolades
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2013 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard T6
— 98 WA, 96 JS, 94 WS
98 Pts. “The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon T6, which is clone 6, offers more barbecue smoke, roasted meats and oodles of creme de cassis and blackberry. It is rich, full-bodied, intense, and stunningly pure and well-balanced. This is another tour de force from the Schraders and Thomas Rivers Brown. It should drink well for 25-30 years as well.”
96 Pts. “Very exotic aromas of tobacco leaf, Thai green chili, black currant and blueberry. Full body, chewy and powerful tannins. Fresh and clean. Muscular and powerful. Better in 2020 when it comes together.”
94 Pts. “A mix of spicy, jazzy mocha, vanilla and espresso notes from oak are evident at the outset, with a core of licorice, dark and red berry, chocolate, savory herb and underbrush flavors. Flexes considerable tannic strength on the finish. Best from 2020 through 2034.”
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Colesworthy Accolades
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2013 Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard Colesworthy 1.5L
— 98+ WA, 98 JS, 96 WS
98+ Pts. “Close to perfection is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard Colesworthy, which is clone 337. This is aged in 100% new Darnajou and soaks up the new oak beautifully. Notes of lead pencil shavings, forest floor, vanilla, blackberry and cassis jump from the glass of this opaque purple, full-bodied, magnificent Cabernet Sauvignon, which is super-rich, fabulously pure and just a killer wine on the palate.”
98 Pts. “The magnum-only wine shows the best of Las Piedras. So much iodine, blackberry, black currant, licorice, stone and lavender character. Seamless and ultra-fine. A wine with a great future. Better in 2022 but fascinating to tasting.”
96 Pts. “Combines power and concentration with finesse and nuance, showing extracted blackberry, licorice, graphite, crushed rock and savory herb notes. Finishes with a powerful aftertaste that reverberates with flavor. The spicy, toasty oak adds texture and nuance. Best from 2020 through 2035.”
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T6 Accolades
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2019 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard T6
— 97+ WA, 97 WS, 97 JS, 97-99 JD
97+ Pts “The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon T6 Beckstoffer To Ka Ion Vineyard is made from Clone 6, an old California heritage clone that's notoriously shy-bearing. It boasts lovely aromatics, layering dried spices and exotic florals over super-ripe cherries, while the full-bodied palate is all silk and cashmere, finishing incredibly long and elegant.”
97 Pts “This pulls in the full Oakville spectrum nicely, with a polished, loamy structure carrying a large-scaled core of steeped plum, boysenberry compote and cassis flavors, while a backdrop of violet, sweet bay leaf and sassafras add range and contrast. The finish has power but maintains purity, with the fruit ringing out the longest in the end. Best from 2024 through 2040.”
97 Pts Dark hawthorn wood, charcoal, blackberry concentrate, violet extract and incense on the nose. The tannins are really immaculate and soft, but there is quantity and volume, too. Sweet dark berries with a salted-chocolate finish. Very long, fresh and linear, despite the high alcohol. Drink or hold.
97-99 Pts “A big, muscular, powerful wine, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard T6 boasts a monster note of blackcurrants, fresh plums, scorched earth, tobacco, and chocolate. This all carries to a full-bodied 2019 with the ripe, savory, concentrated style of the vintage, building tannins, no shortage of fruit, and a great, great finish. It's certainly one of the biggest, richest, more structured wines in the lineup, yet the balance is spot on and everything is in the right places. It's going to take at least 7-8 years for this puppy to shed some of its considerable baby fat and hit maturity, but I wouldn't be surprised to see it evolve for 20 or 30 years.”
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Heritage Clone Accolades
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2022 To Kalon Vineyard Heritage Clone
95 Pts. “Red and black plums, cassis, spice oak, violets, and incense nuances all shine in the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard Heritage Clone, a pure, concentrated, elegant To Kalon that's full-bodied, has pure, polished tannins, terrific balance, and a great finish. It's a structured, big, burly wine in 2022 that warrants 2-4 years in the cellar. It should keep through at least 2037.”
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MB Accolades
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2022 To Kalon Vineyard MB
95 Pts. “Dusty mineral notes and dried violets complement the black cherry fruit, enriched by layers of loamy earth. The tannins are soaring, supporting a full-bodied richness highlighted by abundant black cherry and lavish cola spices. Crunchy red fruit emerges on the lengthy finish, adding a fresh, vibrant element. The wine is rich, inviting, and beautifully balanced despite its 15.3% ABV, showcasing depth and elegance. The Monastery Blocks are located near the Carmelite Monastery at the southern end of the Mondavi To Kalon section. These blocks have historically provided the backbone for Mondavi Reserve Cabernet wines from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s—wines that remain vibrant and show beautifully in the glass decades later.”
95 Pts. “Cassis, darker chocolate, lead pencil, and smoked tobacco all emerge from the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard Monastery Block, a beautifully textured, full-bodied 2022 that has plenty of mid-palate depth, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. It doesn’t get much better in the vintage, and while it has the upfront appeal of the vintage, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it evolve gracefully for upwards of two decades.”
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Heritage Clone Accolades
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2021 To Kalon Vineyard Heritage Clone
— 98 WS, 97 JD, 97 WA
98 Pts “This shows the heft and scale of the bigger wines in this vintage but adds an element of floral lift and sparkly energy. Its boysenberry, fig and mulberry preserve core is dotted with mouthwatering details of iris, licorice snap and lavender. Offers a gorgeous mouthfeel, with an overriding velvety texture offset by hints of crumpled violet. Drink now through 2050.”
97 Pts “All Clone 31 Cabernet Sauvignon and also a release that was first released in 2019, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard Heritage Clone offers up a dark, concentrated, powerful, structured style that's loaded with ripe black fruits, graphite, iron, and hints of scorched earth. It's incredibly complete and balanced on the palate, with full-bodied richness, lots of building tannins yet fine tannins, rocking mid-palate depth, and a great, great finish. Give it 3-5 years if you can and it will evolve for over two decades.”
97 Pts “The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Mondavi Heritage Clone To Kalon Vineyard comes from a single block of vines planted to what has become known as clone 31. If there is any complaint here, it's that the vibrant raspberry and mixed cherries are just too pure. Yes, the fruit is awesome (hence my enthusiastic rating), but the non-fruit complexities seem limited to modest dried-spice nuances. Perhaps more will emerge over time. Medium to full-bodied, this is exceptionally silky and elegant in the context of the 2021 vintage, finishing fresh and lively on the finish.”
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LPV Accolades
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2018 Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard LPV
— 98 JD, 98 JS, 97 WS, 96 WA
98 Pts. “The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard LPV comes from a rocky site just outside of St. Helena, next to the Dr. Crane vineyard. Despite its close proximity, this vineyard always seems to yield a more red-fruited, elegant wine compared to the more powerful style from Dr. Crane. Deep ruby/purple colored, with a killer bouquet of savory red and black fruits. tobacco, chocolate, dried flowers. and bay leaves, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a seamless, multi-dimensional texture, perfect balance, and a great, great finish. This is a gorgeous, utterly thrilling 2018. It should probably merit a triple-digit rating in 4-5 years and evolve for 30+ years or more.”
98 Pts. “Wonderful aromas of currants, crushed berries and flowers. Very deep and complex. Full-bodied and layered with loads of ripe tannins, yet they are polished and very fine. Extremely long finish. Give it at least five years to come together and refine. Try after 2025.”
97 Pts. “Packed for sure, but there's a lot of freshness and inner brightness too, with a core of cassis, plum puree and linzer flavors gliding through atop polished structure, while violet, anise and roasted apple wood notes fill in liberally through the finish, which sports a buried but discernibly racy graphite edge. Gorgeous. Best from 2022 through 2040.”
96 Pts. “Schrader’s “LPV” comes from Beckstoffer’s Las Piedras vineyard, produced from 337 clone grown on the C block. One hundred percent Cabernet Sauvignon, it was aged for 18 months in 100% new Darnajou and Taransaud French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard Lpv slowly unfurls to reveal fragrant notes of red roses, cherry pie, mulberries and warm cassis with hints of fallen leaves, potpourri and Indian spices. The medium-bodied palate delivers fantastic intensity with loads of exotic spice accents complementing the crunchy red and black fruits, framed by firm, grainy tannins and a lively backbone. It finishes with a beautiful fragrant-earth signature. 443 cases were made.”
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Old Sparky Accolades
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2013 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Old Sparky 1.5L in Wood Box
— 100 WA, 98 JS, 96 WS
100 Pts. “The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Old Sparky, which is essentially made from clone 4 from two separate blocks, clone 6 and clone 337, is another perfect wine from the Schraders. I suppose it’s a little boring to say, and perhaps I can be accused of creating unrealistic expectations on the part of readers, but this is as great as Cabernet can be. Tasting like a first-growth Pauillac, the wine is opaque purple and has a fabulous nose of lead pencil, spring flowers, blueberry and blackberry and the telltale cassis. There is also some licorice and sweet oak, the tannins are ripe, and the wine full-bodied. Built like a skyscraper, with an incredible finish (like most of these wines) going on for 50 seconds to a minute, this amazing wine should still be drinking splendidly well at age 25 or 30.”
98 Pts. “A wine with wonderful definition and length. Very fine-grained tannins. Full-bodied yet compacted. Shows blueberry, rosemary, lavender and stone character. Terra-cotta. Pretty blend of top To Kalon vineyard of Schrader. Shows balance and length.”
96 Pts. “Bold and powerful, with an explosive burst of juicy red and black fruits shaded by licorice, spice and oak details. Shows a wonderful sense of harmony and finesse. This is captivating, ending with firm tannins. Best from 2020 through 2036.”
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WH Accolades
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2019 Wappo Hill Cabernet Sauvignon
— 97 JS, 96 JD, 95 WS, 95-97 WA
97 Pts “This is a fantastic new wine, with crushed berries, stones, and oyster shell with moss and pine needles. Full and linear, with agile acidity that gives the wine energy. It's salty and lively. So focused and mouthwatering. So attractive now, but will age beautifully. ”
96 Pts “A new wine from this team, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Wappo Hill comes from a famous site in the Stags Leap District and is all Cabernet Sauvignon. At a high level, Stags Leap is a slightly cooler region, and the wines shine for their complexity, and that's certainly the case here. Lots of cassis, violets, graphite, dried flowers, and spicy oak define the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied, has good acidity, some chalky tannins, and notable freshness and purity. The acidity is higher here, but this still brings plenty of classic Schrader opulence and texture.”
96 Pts “Sourced from the DN2 block of this vineyard at the base of the Hartwell Estate, this wine is a true masterpiece of its terroir, exuding a sense of both richness and refinement. Full-bodied and commanding, it is layered with deep loamy earth notes and framed by fantastic savoury herb spices that add complexity and poise. A luxurious core of loamy earth, blue and black fruit notes, and sagebrush are supported by sinewy, well-integrated tannins.”
95 Pts “Showy, with waves of cassis, plum pâte de fruit and blackberry preserves backed by licorice snap, roasted apple wood and cocoa. A nice, racy graphite spine provides necessary support. A hedonist's delight. Drink now through 2035.”
95-97 Pts “...gregarious scents of mulberries, redcurrant jelly, blackberry pie and cassis, plus hints of fragrant earth, bouquet garni, cumin seed, and pencil lead.”
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CCS Accolades
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2013 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard CCS
— 100 WA, 99 JS, 94 WS
100 Pts. “There is something ethereal about the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon CCS, a wine that I tend to give more perfect scores to than of the other Schrader offerings. This is clone 4 from a special block of the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, and it always seems to have these incredible, explosive aromatics ranging from blueberry to blackberry to cassis to spring flowers and lead pencil shavings. It's always one of the more seductive wines early on, with sweet, velvety tannins, a plush, succulent mouthfeel, full-bodied splendor and majestic texture. This is a killer effort of great intensity and presence. Drink it over then next 25-30 years.”
99 Pts. “So aromatic and floral with violet, lilac, and sage character. Full body, very cool. Lots of blue fruit. Hints of sweet tobacco, lemon grass and white pepper. Needs two or three years to open. Muscular. Better in 2023.”
94 Pts. “A robust and rustic youngster, undeniably powerful and deep, yet tightly wound and begging for cellaring and decanting. The dark red and black fruit is zesty, with minerally acidity, fine-grained tannins and a sense of refinement and elegance. Drink now through 2023.”
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CCS Accolades
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2019 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard CCS
— 99 D, 98 WS, 98 WA, 98 JS, 98 JD
99 Pts. “From the C1 Block of Beckstoffer To Kalon, winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown has worked with these Clone 4 Cabernet vines since 2005. This is a block bottling like many of the Schrader wines. Lush, generous fruit but with structure – all the elements amplified but on equal proportions. Explosive nose of rich black fruits, black olive, dried wild herbs and baking spices. Incredibly textural with pixelated three-dimensional tannins finishing with pops of dried tobacco and purple-red florals. A joy to drink but among the most collectable and cellar worthy wines of the vintage. The 'CCS' on the label refers to the initials of proprietor Carol Colesworthy Schrader.”
98 Pts. “Throws off a range of sassafras, chaparral and anise aromas before yielding up a prodigious core of açaí berry, plum and blackberry compote. Offers a great power/purity interplay throughout, with tarry violet and loamy incense accents. While tannic through the finish, this also reveals a subtle ripple of acidity and a hint of iron. Terrific. Best from 2024 through 2040.”
98 Pts. “Sourced from Block C1 (planted to Clone 4), the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon CCS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, like all the other Schrader wines, matured in 100% new French oak from Darnajou and Taransaud. Hugely concentrated black cherries are joined by dried spices, slightly peppery notes and cedar on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied and plush yet firm at its core. It's a well-rounded, elegant example of Oakville Cabernet, nicely balanced, with attractive notions of blueberry and mint on the lengthy finish.”
98 Pts. “Aromas of mint, eucalyptus, crushed blackcurrants and lead pencil follow through to a full body with dark fruit and mint on the palate. Velvety tannins and a long finish. Fantastic structure. Savory. Minerally. Drinkable now, but this will age really beautifully. Try after 2026.”
98 Pts. “The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard CCS from the To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville is another heavenly wine in the lineup. I always find another level of purity in this cuvée, and the 2019 offers remarkably pure crème de cassis-like fruits as well as notes of white flowers, incense, toasted spice, and unsmoked tobacco. Full-bodied, deep, round, and plush on the palate, I love its tannins, it brings incredible richness while staying perfectly balanced and fresh, and it’s just already a joy to drink.”
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Heritage Clone Accolades
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2019 To Kalon Vineyard Heritage Clone
— 100 JS, 98+ WA, 98+ JD, 97 WS
100 Pts “This is so exotic and exciting, with crushed blackcurrant, cassis, raspberry and tangerine aromas that follow through to very rough, silky tannins that fill your mouth. It goes on for minutes. Intense flavors at the finish, yet it's linear and so long and seamless. Crunchy. Amazing wine. Drinkable now, but better after 2025.”
98+ Pts “Another relatively new addition to the Schrader lineup, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Mondavi Heritage Clone To Kalon Vineyard is all Clone 31 (not Clone 39, as previously reported by RPWA). It's expressive and aromatic on the nose, offering up hints of tobacco, mint and sage, plus floral, spicy notes but also plenty of red berries and vanilla (it's aged 18 months in new French oak). Full-bodied, tannic and firmly built, it's another Schrader wine that should really benefit from cellaring.”
98+ Pts “My notes on the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard Heritage Clone started with a big "Wow," and it's clearly a structured, serious, incredibly impressive 2019. Giving up plenty of cassis and assorted black and blue fruits, it has a distinct sense of minerality as well as classic Cabernet tobacco, lead pencil, and tobacco leaf nuances. With bright acidity, building tannins, and a concentrated, massive, backward mouthfeel, it needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and should have decades of prime drinking.”
97 Pts “Delivers seriously gorgeous fruit, with plum puree, cassis and black cherry páte de fruit notes that are compressed together without losing their clarity and definition, while licorice snap, violet and apple wood notes form the frame. Reveals an iron note that drives underneath on the finish, imbuing everything with latent energy and drive. Big, but in an elephant-balancing-on-a-ball manner; gotta tip the cap. Best from 2023 through 2038.”
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Old Sparky Accolades
Old Sparky Accolades
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2012 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Old Sparky 1.5L in Wood Box
— 100 WA, 96 WS
100 Pts. “Another compelling, nearly perfect wine is the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer to Kalon Vineyard Old Sparky. This is Clone 4 and Clone 6, as well as Clone 337, blended together from the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, aged in 100% new Darnajou barrels. For whatever reason, this wine seems to show more chocolate, espresso roast, barbecue smoke, dense blackberry and blueberry fruit and enormous body with not a touch of heaviness or astringency. This is a fabulous offering. It should drink well for 20-25 years.”
96 Pts. “Very tight, featuring a beam of spice-laced blackberry, currant, dried herb and jazzy oak. The laser focus is most evident on the finish, which slowly unravels to highlight this wine’s density, elegance and grace. The flavors reverberate in the end.”
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2023 Double Diamond Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY 100% CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Crafted by Schrader Cellars winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, Double Diamond is a truly captivating Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from exceptional vineyard lots, exclusively in Napa Valley’s renowned Oakville district. Double Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon is ready to enjoy now and will continue to evolve over the next 3-5 years.
