2019 Schrader 'Beckstoffer To Kalon RBS' Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Grab this stunner now! This wine is a seamless, rich, dense blackberry homage to the plush fruit of the 337 clone. Wine Advocate certainly noticed: “vibrant notes of dark chocolate covered cherries, crème de cassis and blueberry preserves, plus suggestions of menthol, fertile loam, licorice and dusty soil. The full-bodied palate is rich and decadent, delivering velvety tannins and soft acidity with loads of spicy sparks coming through on the finish.” Full-bodied yet refreshing, with striking vibrancy even in its youth, this is too special to turn down.
“In top vintages, Schrader’s Beckstoffer Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines can be as good as money can buy ... anywhere in the world.” – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate It’s hard to point to a winemaker in the Napa Valley on a more consistent winning streak than Thomas Rivers Brown. The wines he makes for Schrader, Maybach, Double Diamond, Kinsella, and Jones Family do not share a monolithic sameness, but rather individuality. Because Brown makes wine naturally - with no spinning cones, additives, or hocus pocus - the only thing the wines have in common is their greatness, and the monster critical acclaim that has followed. Which brings us to Schrader. Simply put, these are some of the most consistent and critically acclaimed wines being made in the valley right now. They are truly rare and great, made from historic Grand Cru sites in St. Helena, Rutherford, and Oakville.
Wine Advocate
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. Best After 2025.
JD97
Jeb Dunnuck
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. Best After 2021
James Suckling
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.
Wine Spectator
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