2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Bright, saturated ruby-red. Creamy scents of black raspberry, dark chocolate, cocoa nibs, graphite and crushed rock. A bit less refined and delineated in the middle palate than the '14, with its flavors of black and red cherry and cocoa powder showing serious plushness and weight but also very good energy. These tannins may not be quite as fine as those of the '14 but the finish is gripping and very long, hinting at a youthfully medicinal quality. This has all the elements of the site but will take a while to express itself fully. According to Hobbs, 2015 was a distinctly warm, dry, early year "approaching the peak of the drought." (14.9% alcohol; 3.69 pH; 5.8 g/l acidity; from what Hobbs described as "a decent crop"--3.1 tons per acre--in the context of the vintage)
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Deep purple-black in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard opens with seducing notes of crushed black currants, blueberry compote and dried mulberries with hints of spice cake, sandalwood, dried roses and star anise plus a touch of smoked meats. Full-bodied, rich, ripe and densely packed, the opulent fruit is superbly framed by velvety tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with lingering spice layers. 758 cases were made.
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is the most embryonic and raw of these wines. There is no shortage of power or intensity, that much is obvious, but the To Kalon needs quite a bit more time to start showing the full breath of its personality as well as specificity of site.
About the producer
Paul Hobbs is one of California wine’s biggest names. Twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker, he joined Robert Mondavi in 1977, worked at Opus One and Simi before setting up his eponymous winery in 1991.