2013 RBS


Among the Schrader team, the 2013 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard RBS has already become regarded as the most elegant and complete Schrader RBS we have ever made. Supremely rich with breathtaking concentration and noblesse, this wine is the true essence of Cabernet. The intense black fruit core of ripe black currant, crushed blackberry, and plum compote are complemented by notes of crushed rock, graphite and licorice. Ever approachable in its youth and exceptionally well balanced, the signature of this wine is its luxurious fruit character and finesse.

  • Vintage 2013
  • Vineyard Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard
  • Appellation Oakville, Napa Valley
  • Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Clone Pure Clone 337
  • Cooperage Aged 20 months in rare Darnajou French oak barrels
  • Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown
  • Tasting Notes

    Among the Schrader team, the 2013 Schrader RBS has already become regarded as the most elegant and complete Schrader RBS we have ever made. Supremely rich with breathtaking concentration and noblesse, this wine is the true essence of Cabernet. The intense black fruit core of ripe black currant, crushed blackberry, and plum compote are complemented by notes of crushed rock, graphite and licorice. Ever approachable in its youth and exceptionally well balanced, the signature of this wine is its luxurious fruit character and finesse.

  • Accolades

    99 Pts. “This is shows complex aromas of chili, red tile and red currant aromas. Full-bodied, dense and powerful. It is so intense and rich yet remains agile and fresh. Austere tannins give this wine form and tension. Lively and captivating. Beautiful now but be patient. Better in 2021.”
    — James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

    98 Pts. “The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon RBS, also from clone 337, but in this case from the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, shows an absolutely perfect 100-point nose of red, black and blue fruits, charcoal, graphite and forest floor. It hits the palate with a seamless integration of wood, tannin, acidity and alcohol and has tremendous opulence and palate presence in its full-bodied, long finish. On aromatics alone, it rates a perfect score, but I ended up being somewhat conservative I suppose. It should drink well for three decades as well.”
    — Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

  • Vineyard

    First planted in 1868 by viticultural and winemaking icon Hamilton Crabb, To Kalon Vineyard® has long been regarded as the source of Napa Valley’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Within the prime vineyard blocks, an alluvial fan provides excellent and varied mineral deposits, and the rich soils are filled with marine sediment that gives our wines their distinctive profiles. The vines receive full sun and optimal heat during the day and are cooled by marine fog at night. These conditions allow the Cabernet Sauvignon planted in the vineyard to display its own unique character, and this celebration of individuality is the essence of Schrader ®.

  • Vintage

    In 2013 the grapes enjoyed month upon glorious month of effortless sunny days followed by clear, cool nights. Warm spring temperatures gave way to an early budbreak and the consistent, dry weather afforded an optimal fruit set. The favorable conditions seamlessly continued through the summer and we faced none of the rogue heat spikes or rain threats that might otherwise challenge a strong vintage. Once in barrel, the wine continued to develop and gain profound flavors that led to winemaker Thomas Brown stating “These are the finest wines I have ever made.”