2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon
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Tasting notes
Good medium ruby. Captivating, expressive nose offers plum, currant, tobacco, chocolate, mocha and meat, with a liqueur-like roasted berry note and a suggestion of sake. Then densely packed and tensile, with juicy acids keeping the wine youthfully firm. Finishes with chewy but sweet tannins and lovely length, with the acidity extending the fruit.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A noble, first-growth quality effort is the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard (192 cases). Aged in 100% new Taransaud oak, it boasts complex aromas of licorice, toast, creme de cassis, graphite, flowers, and spice. Full-bodied with wonderful opulence, and enough structure, acidity, and tannin to buttress the wealth of fruit and glycerin, this beautiful Cabernet can be enjoyed over the next 15+ years. Previously recommended: 2003 The Bard (93), 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard (93), 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Farella Vineyard (91), 2003 The Tempest (91+). Tel. (707) 967-0226; Fax (707) 967-0227
(100% cabernet sauvignon; roughly 15.5% alcohol) Bright ruby-red. Cool, vibrant aromas of blueberry and minerals. Densely packed, subtle and sweet, with slowly building, restrained flavors of dark fruits and minerals. This offers excellent ripeness and a fine-grained texture. Very strong on the back end. Winemaker Mike Hirby notes that it was picked in the middle of the early September heat, but the quality of the source comes through here.
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.