2009 Realm Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is another soft, fruity wine in this first part of the vertical. I would prefer to drink it sooner rather than later, before the fruit fully fades. Based on this tasting the 2009 appears to be in decline. I expected more, I have to say.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The more exuberant yet still tannic, full-bodied, powerful 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard offers sweet creme de cassis, Christmas fruitcake, licorice and espresso notes in a full-bodied, deep, multilayered style with sensational ripeness and texture as well as a beautiful finish. The tannins are present, but there is enough lavish fruit to easily balance them out. While approachable, this beauty will be better in 4-5 years and should last for two decades or more. Tel. (707) 967-0227
Forward, jammy, oaky, concentrated, rich and full bodied, the wine is forward in style, ending in a fleshy, rich, low acid, packed and stacked finish. 92 Points
(at 14.9% alcohol, this is the ripest of Realm's 2009 red wines): Bright full ruby-red. Aromas of crushed cassis, violet, licorice pastille and minerals. Seamless, dense and highly concentrated, with lovely inner-mouth perfume to the classic cabernet flavors of cassis, licorice and bitter chocolate. Finishes with fine-grained but rather powerful tannins and superb chocolatey persistence. More medicinal and backward today than the Dr. Crane cabernet, this should be even better with several years of bottle aging.
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.