2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon
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Tasting notes
The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) admirably demonstrates the noble potential of this site. Its dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by pure notes of creme de cassis fruit, lead pencil, black currants, and cedar, full body, and admirable purity. It should drink well for 12-15 years. A new project of Juan Marcado, a former winemaker at Pax, and Mike Heiby, a former assistant winemaker at Behrens and Hitchcock, the Realm wines are produced at a winery on Spring Mountain. Classic Burgundian techniques are used to make these Bordeaux-styled offerings, including a 5-day pre-fermentation cold soak, extended maceration, some lees stirring, minimal racking, 20+ months in 100% new French oak, and no filtration at bottling. Some of the Realm production was stored in the Mare Island wine warehouse, which caught fire last October, but, hopefully, none of these cuvees were in that facility. P.S. Like most high quality newcomers to the California wine scene, this estate demonstrates little modesty with respect to their pricing policy. Distributed by Polaner Selections; Tel. (914) 244-0404
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(the fruit was picked at the end of a heat wave, and Hirby did a heavy selection, eliminating the raisins) Good full ruby. Sweet aromas of cassis, black cherry, licorice, minerals and sexy oak. Juicy and densely packed, with a sappy sweetness but also a slight hard edge. Finishes with broad, oak-driven tannins that reach the front teeth and a note of menthol. Shows a slightly aggressive quality from a percentage of shriveled grapes.
About the producer
Realm Cellars has become one of Napa Valley’s most compelling modern estates, known for site-driven Cabernet Sauvignon. Drawing from some of the valley’s most sought-after vineyards, Realm’s wines consistently earn top critical acclaim while remaining firmly rooted in place.