Schrader Cellars
Old Sparky Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Oakville, Napa Valley, California, USA
WNH NY, 2021.
From magnum.
If you’ve ever watched high school kids with money, that’s how it felt last night. The Old Sparky was top shelf, displaying black cherries, perhaps a hint of fruitcake, and cocoa powder. Layered and still quite tannic. Finish shows the pedigree of the wine - untouchable.
Personally, I didn’t attempt to ID wotn, as there were so many outstanding bottles.
However, best of all was the company who we shared these wonderful gems with. Love em all.
WNH NY, 2021.
From magnum.
If you’ve ever watched high school kids with money, that’s how it felt last night. The Old Sparky was top shelf, displaying black cherries, perhaps a hint of fruitcake, and cocoa powder. Layered and still quite tannic. Finish shows the pedigree of the wine - untouchable.
Personally, I didn’t attempt to ID wotn, as there were so many outstanding bottles.
However, best of all was the company who we shared these wonderful gems with. Love em all.
Entirely sourced from the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, the 2009 Schrader ‘Old Sparky’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a massive, dense treat right now that has a long life ahead of it. The nose offers plenty of appeal with its espresso bean, chocolate cake, red bell pepper and creosote tones with blueberry pie that all march in line. Layers of chocolate infused dark fruits, blueberry compote and tar line this exquisite palate, with minerals and dusty terroir melding together in the glass. This wine walks the tight rope between finesse and power, effortlessly moving across the palate. Gorgeous now, this scintillating wine will cellar well for another twenty years. Drink 2019-2040- 97
Entirely sourced from the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, the 2009 Schrader ‘Old Sparky’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a massive, dense treat right now that has a long life ahead of it. The nose offers plenty of appeal with its espresso bean, chocolate cake, red bell pepper and creosote tones with blueberry pie that all march in line. Layers of chocolate infused dark fruits, blueberry compote and tar line this exquisite palate, with minerals and dusty terroir melding together in the glass. This wine walks the tight rope between finesse and power, effortlessly moving across the palate. Gorgeous now, this scintillating wine will cellar well for another twenty years. Drink 2019-2040- 97
Dec 8th, 2019
July 4th Friday was a total blowout! Killer bottles one after another. Here are just a few of the bottles we all enjoyed!
En mag (as they only come en mag). Just a total knockout with heady aromatics. Compared against the ‘08 To-Kalon and the ‘12 T6, what separates this from the field is how pure and dense this is without overwhelming the senses. Decidedly dark fruit dominant...ripe blackberries and blueberries accompanied by licorice and Mexican vanilla/sandalwood notes. More powerful and compact than the others. Baking spices and dusty components. Velvet like tannins. A treat, @Keith Fisher .
July 4th Friday was a total blowout! Killer bottles one after another. Here are just a few of the bottles we all enjoyed!
En mag (as they only come en mag). Just a total knockout with heady aromatics. Compared against the ‘08 To-Kalon and the ‘12 T6, what separates this from the field is how pure and dense this is without overwhelming the senses. Decidedly dark fruit dominant...ripe blackberries and blueberries accompanied by licorice and Mexican vanilla/sandalwood notes. More powerful and compact than the others. Baking spices and dusty components. Velvet like tannins. A treat, @Keith Fisher .
Wine nerd herd and Friday night in Iowa and all wines Friday night were en Mag
Wine nerd herd and Friday night in Iowa and all wines Friday night were en Mag
May 25th, 2019
Schrader should change the name of this from Old Sparky to Old Reliably Kick Ass. Silky and opulent.
Schrader should change the name of this from Old Sparky to Old Reliably Kick Ass. Silky and opulent.
May 18th, 2019
A 2004 drinking well after 15 years. A diminished fruit yields to a sophisticated Cabernet with coffee, rich Carmel and a beautiful round mouth feel. An outstanding wine that is very enjoyable to savor and drink
A 2004 drinking well after 15 years. A diminished fruit yields to a sophisticated Cabernet with coffee, rich Carmel and a beautiful round mouth feel. An outstanding wine that is very enjoyable to savor and drink
Feb 1st, 2019
Love this wine! Amazing how well they are already drinking
Love this wine! Amazing how well they are already drinking
Dec 30th, 2018En Mag. Reticent nose and it seemed to be coiled and waiting for a while. It slowly unfurled and became a dense, luscious beauty. Polish and depth with a sustained full finish.
En Mag. Reticent nose and it seemed to be coiled and waiting for a while. It slowly unfurled and became a dense, luscious beauty. Polish and depth with a sustained full finish.
May 11th, 2017Showing great composure, plenty of true varietal character not masked by a ton of Oak.
Showing great composure, plenty of true varietal character not masked by a ton of Oak.
May 3rd, 2017
12' This was more approachable then the 2007 from the night before. Was absolutely one of my favorite wines from last night.
12' This was more approachable then the 2007 from the night before. Was absolutely one of my favorite wines from last night.
Apr 30th, 2017