2019 MB


“Schrader Monastery Block - I love this wine. I refer to it as "monumental" Monastery because this wine is inky, rich, lush, and just profound. It comes from that very famous section of the To Kalon Vineyard. MB is just a tremendous expression of Cabernet Sauvignon.” — Carol Schrader
  • Vintage 2019
  • Alcohol 14%
  • Vineyard To Kalon Vineyard, Monastery Block
  • Appellation Oakville, Napa Valley
  • Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Clone Pure Clone 169
  • Cooperage Aged in 100% new Darnajou and Taransaud French oak barrels
  • Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown
  • Tasting Notes

    Profoundly rich, the Schrader Monastery Block is a force of nature. Grown in the famed Monastery Block, the wine shows very deep purple to black color and upon entry, offers aromas of blueberries, black cherries, black plums, and cassis that burst from the glass. The rich fruit aromas combine with notes of graphite, violets, sweet saddle leather, and licorice, all of which perfectly carry through to the ample flavors. The wine fills the senses and the silky smooth texture soothes the soul. The natural balance and firm structure beautifully support the monumental fruit core.

  • Accolades

    98 Pts “A fine, effusive quality from the sandalwood, violets, black pepper and blackberry concentrate. Quite a denser and more muscular expression, yet you won't feel any chew from the tannins, as they melt into the dark fruit. Long and focused. Much better if you can wait for a few years. Try from 2026.”
    — James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

    97 Pts “Revealing a vivid purple hue as well as a powerful, more black-fruited, iron, tobacco, and scorched earth-like aromatic profile, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard Monastery Block is full-bodied, has a rich, powerful attack, great mid-palate density, and brilliant tannins. Coming from a famous block located on the western side of this great vineyard, brought up in new barrels, it's another 2019 that has a rounded, supple, approachable style while also bringing impressive density, depth, and structure.”
    — Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com

  • Vineyard

    The Monastery Block is located on the western side of the To Kalon Vineyard, nestled against the foothills of the Mayacamas adjacent to the Carmelite monastery from which it takes its name. Great wines start with great vineyards and a great winemaker. For nearly two decades, we have researched, trialed, and procured what we feel are the finest vineyard sites for producing benchmark Cabernets in the Napa Valley. This new exploration is truly worthy of the Schrader name.

  • Vintage

    A cool vintage overall, the picking windows for 2019 were very long, which gave us the luxury of harvesting each different vineyard block at the perfect level of ripeness. The moment we pressed the grapes, we knew this wine was heading toward greatness. It’s exhibiting remarkable freshness that perfectly balances its flavor concentration and compares to the exceptional 2001/2002 vintages for tannins and acidity. Wonderfully enjoyable at release but will also be an ideal addition to your cellar for many years to come.

All MB Vintages