Realm Cellars
Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
I brought this to a big 2012 retrospective tasting of Napa Cabernet but wasn’t able to stop by my offsite in time to get a ‘12.
Cork came out terribly. Double decanted 30-45 mins. 100% Cabernet. Sporting a deep purple color even at 15yrs. Just shy of explosive aromatics…ripe red and black fruits, mocha, cocoa powder. Sheer To-Kalon power on the palate with the velvet glove approach…layered dark fruits, black currant, cassis, charcoal and graphite. Mid-palate here has great depth and the finish is beautiful. This has evolved wonderfully. Pop now but no rush.
I brought this to a big 2012 retrospective tasting of Napa Cabernet but wasn’t able to stop by my offsite in time to get a ‘12.
Cork came out terribly. Double decanted 30-45 mins. 100% Cabernet. Sporting a deep purple color even at 15yrs. Just shy of explosive aromatics…ripe red and black fruits, mocha, cocoa powder. Sheer To-Kalon power on the palate with the velvet glove approach…layered dark fruits, black currant, cassis, charcoal and graphite. Mid-palate here has great depth and the finish is beautiful. This has evolved wonderfully. Pop now but no rush.
Dark, balsamic, spice, surprisingly elegant though.
Dark, balsamic, spice, surprisingly elegant though.
Oct 24th, 2019
The aromatics are unbelievable. Blackberry, cassis, leather, sweet tobacco. In a perfect place right now.
The aromatics are unbelievable. Blackberry, cassis, leather, sweet tobacco. In a perfect place right now.
Oct 5th, 2017This wasn't as good as previous bottles. All the fruit was there, but there was an overpowering herbal element to the finish.
This wasn't as good as previous bottles. All the fruit was there, but there was an overpowering herbal element to the finish.
May 14th, 20172-hour decant. Aromatics of blueberry pie, leather, menthol, and cedar. Maraschino cherries, sweet tobacco, licorice and blackberry, with a very long finish. In a perfect place right now.
2-hour decant. Aromatics of blueberry pie, leather, menthol, and cedar. Maraschino cherries, sweet tobacco, licorice and blackberry, with a very long finish. In a perfect place right now.
Nov 27th, 2016
From magnum. Wound like a top. Great fruit. Needs another five years. Gorgeous fruit bit over the top at this stage.
From magnum. Wound like a top. Great fruit. Needs another five years. Gorgeous fruit bit over the top at this stage.
Mar 13th, 20162008. Out of this world. Purity of fruit is beyond compare. Well integrated tannins and great mouthfeel. Memorable.
2008. Out of this world. Purity of fruit is beyond compare. Well integrated tannins and great mouthfeel. Memorable.
Aug 12th, 2015
08 To Kalon- opened 90 mins before drinking. Wine was delicious, great finish
08 To Kalon- opened 90 mins before drinking. Wine was delicious, great finish
Dec 22nd, 2013