2012 TOR Beckstoffer To Kalon Red
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An amazing effort, the opaque ruby/purple-tinged 2012 Proprietary Red Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Cabernet Franc. It reveals the forest floor/floral character offered by Cabernet Franc along with black raspberries, blueberries and camphor. Relatively light on its feet, this is a sensational, complex red that should gain in nuance over the next 10-15 years.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(a 50/50 blend of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc): Bright, dark ruby-red. Dark aromas of black cherry, blueberry, licorice and bitter chocolate are enlivened by high notes of violet and minerals. Quite closed and youthfully imploded, perhaps due to the dominance of the slow-to-unfold cabernet franc. Displays lovely precision to the flavors of black fruits, violet, crushed rock, minerals and wild herbs. Aeration brought a suggestion of mid-palate pliancy but the firmly tannic finish is extremely primary, with blueberry and blackberry flavors wearing a slightly bitter green edge. This needs following: I get the impression that its two grape varieties will need at least a few years in bottle to come into harmony.
The 2012 Red Wine Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, is a big step up from the 2011. Mocha, espresso, sweet herbs and crushed rose petals all add perfume to the expressive red-toned fruit. A beautiful, layered wine, the 2012 is all about polish and textural elegance. The 2012 is equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, a blend that works beautifully in this vintage. Today, the 2012 is sublime. The Franc really shines in this vintage.
The 2012 Red Wine Beckstoffer To Kalon is in a great spot, as it is just starting to show the first signs of aromatic nuance. Cedar, tobacco, dried leaves and mocha meld into a core of bright red-toned fruit. This is a relatively soft, understated wine for Tor. It's a style that works so well in this vintage. What a delight. The blend is 54% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Cabernet Franc, with the Franc adding tons of character.