2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon
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The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon is one of the most closed wines in this range, but at the same time, the pedigree of the site is evident in the balance of fruit, acidity and tannin. There is a lot to look forward to, but readers will have to be patient. Typical To-Kalon dark blue and purplish fruit, licorice, smoke and cassis saturate the palate on the inky, powerful finish.
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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Another brilliant offering from one of the true first-growth sites in Napa Valley is the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard. Graphite, crème de cassis and spice box characteristics jump from the glass of this dense purple-colored Cabernet Sauvignon. Thick but fresh with gorgeously ripe fruit, a full-bodied mouthfeel and a long finish, this is a terrific example of Cabernet Sauvignon. It will drink well young and over the next 15+ years.
(100% cabernet sauvignon): Good bright, full red. Pungent aromas of black cherry, cassis, blackberry, graphite and herbs. Densely packed and extremely primary, with black fruit and violet flavors turning increasingly floral with air. But huge, youthfully ungiving tannins currently cut off the fruit on the end of this powerful wine, leaving behind a slightly medicinal character. Today I prefer the balance of the Beautiful Generation, but there's more wine here.
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon is going to be fascinating to follow. Today, it is huge, dark and explosive, but also remarkably primary, with little in the way of aromatic nuance and complexity. The structure and personality of To Kalon are there, but the wine needs time to harmonize. Here, too, the oak is a bit prevalent, even if it is in its early days.