2012 Realm Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is wonderfully inviting right out of the gate. Crème de cassis, menthol, plum and licorice lend tons of nuance to play off the wine's lush, sumptuous feel. All the elements are impeccably balanced in this beautifully layered, inviting Cabernet Sauvignon from Realm.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Amazing aromas of wet earth, blackberry and porcini mushroom. Tar too. Full body, ultra-polished tannins and a long and intense finish. Licorice and berry character. Pure cabernet sauvignon. 500 cases. Better in 2017.
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer to Kalon Vineyard is the most powerful of the single-vineyard Cabernets in the range, but is also the most overtly ripe and oaky. As excellent as the To Kalon is, it just doesn't have the totally seamless balance of both the Farella and Dr. Crane. In truly great wines, nothing stands out. Here, both ripeness and oak appear pushed too far.
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon emerges from another first-growth vineyard that was acquired by Andy Beckstoffer in 1993, and planted with multiple clones of Cabernet Sauvignon and a small amount of Cabernet Franc. The original vineyard was planted in 1868, but the present one consists of nearly 90 acres. The 2012 reveals incredible complexity and density with notes of Christmas fruitcake, baking spices, licorice, crème de cassis and forest floor. Full-bodied with the vintage’s opulence and drama, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon was fashioned from Clones 4 and 337. It should age effortlessly for 25-30 years.
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.