2012 Carter Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard The G.T.O.
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Pure perfection and topping out my scale, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard The G.T.O. is released only in magnum. It has an absolutely brilliant perfume of crème de cassis, ripe blackcurrants, flowery incense, and toasted spices, and it develops additional nuances and incredible complexity with air. These all carry over to the palate, where the wine is full-bodied, has a multi-dimensional, layered mouthfeel, and ultra-fine tannins that emerge on the finish. It’s clearly out of its primary stage (as are many 2012s today), and I'd put it right smack in the middle (maybe on the earlier side) of its prime drinking window. This is pure To Kalon magic with its extravagant opulence paired with a remarkable sense of elegance and finesse.
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Robert Parker
Jeb Dunnuck
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I do not know what the G.T.O. stands for (I doubt it is in reference to a car), but to me, it means “Great Time Offered” as the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon The G.T.O. is one of the truly majestic and singular world-class wines of Napa Valley. It raises the bar on the other To Kalon offerings, which are all stunning in their own right. The G.T.O. is a multidimensional Cabernet Sauvignon of first-growth quality from a great Bordeaux vintage. Its inky/ruby/purple color is followed by an extraordinary nose of crème de cassis, graphite and spring flowers. The new oak component is buried beneath the luxurious fruit, extravagant, multidimensional mouthfeel, and full-bodied texture and length. The incredible sweetness in the finish comes from richness and extract, not residual sugar. It is something to behold! This compelling superstar is pure perfection. From magnum, this beauty should drink well for two decades or more.