2016 Amici To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum
James Suckling
“Gorgeous fruit…incredible finish”
2016 Amici To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum
James Suckling
“Gorgeous fruit…incredible finish”
Vineyard Notes
Originally planted in 1868 by Hamilton Crabb, the To Kalon vineyard has produced some of the Napa Valley’s best Cabernet Sauvignon ever since gaining legendary status as one of America’s first-growth vineyards. To Kalon, Ancient Greek for “the highest beauty,” sits on prime Oakville bench land where well-drained, gravelly soils combine with optimal sun exposure to yield rich, complex flavors and impeccable fruit maturity.
Winemaking Notes
The power of this heritage vineyard lies in its distinct nose with classic To Kalon aromas of clay loam, wet earth and mint. Additional elevated aromatics feature blueberry jam, rhubarb compote, cassis and sweet tobacco. On the palate, the wine is both precise and dense, with soy, menthol, raspberry cordial and black raspberry jam notes. A powerful wine from start to finish, with powdery, chalky tannins and an impressively long finish.
- Vintage
- 2016
- Varietal
- Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum
- Vineyard
- To Kalon
- Appellation
- Oakville, Napa Valley
- Blend
- 88% Cabernet Sauvignon. 12% Cabernet Franc
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
- Fermentation & Aging
- 95% stainless steel, 5% barrel fermented. Aged 22 months in 100% new French oak barrels
Reviews
James Suckling
“This is very tight and powerful with a cylinder of gorgeous fruit with blackberry, blueberry, terracotta, and currants. Full body, firm and silky tannins. Incredible finish. Love the finish. Try in 2022.”
Wine Advocate
“A blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Cabernet Franc aged 22 months in 100% new French oak, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon is very deep purple-black in color and has a nose of seductive crème de cassis, baked black cherries, dried mulberries and blueberry compote with touches of tapenade, Indian spices, sandalwood and potpourri plus a hint of tea. The palate is full, rich, velvety and spicy with layers of savory and spice flavors, finishing long and complex.”
Jeb Dunnuck
“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is an elegant wine from this vineyard, which normally produces powerful, exotic wines. Pure crème de cassis, spring flowers, caramelized cherries, and white flower notes all flow to a full-bodied effort that has silky tannins, a polished texture, no hard edges, and a great finish. It’s another perfectly balanced wine from Tony Biagi that can be drunk any time over the coming 15-20 years.”
Vinous Media
“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard is another gorgeous wine in this range. Dark, sensual and inviting, the 2016 will tempt readers with its alluring personality. Crème de cassis, mocha, new leather and chocolate are some of the many notes that are amped up. Plush fruit, silky tannins and expressive aromatics add to the wine’s sheer appeal. This is such a gorgeous wine.”
