2018 Amici To Kalon Cabernet Franc
Jeb Dunnuck
“Incredible sense of elegance and purity”
2018 Amici To Kalon Cabernet Franc
Jeb Dunnuck
“Incredible sense of elegance and purity”
Vineyard Notes
Originally planted in 1868 by Hamilton Crabb, the To Kalon vineyard has produced some of the Napa Valley’s best Cabernets 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
A dark, vibrant purple in color, this wine offers complex aromas of roasted compote and blueberries along with savory floral and herbal notes. The palate features great density and a smooth, juicy center along with enticing mid-palate sweetness. Flavors of dark cherry liqueur and blackberry juice are complemented by licorice and wet minerality that carries through the finish.
- Vintage
- 2018
- Varietal
- Cabernet Franc
- Vineyard
- To Kalon
- Appellation
- Oakville, Napa Valley
- Blend
- 85% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Alcohol
- 14.7%
- Fermentation & Aging
- 100% Stainless Steel fermentation; Aged 22 months in 100% new French oak barrels
Reviews
Jeb Dunnuck
Lastly, I loved the 2018 Cabernet Franc Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard from barrel last year, and it showed even better from bottle. Revealing a dense purple color as well as textbook Cabernet Franc notes of blue fruits, spring flowers, forest floor, and camphor, this beauty hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, an incredible sense of elegance and purity, ultra-fine tannins, and a great, great finish. Not far off a great vintage of Cheval Blanc, enjoy this incredible wine any time over the coming 15-20 years. Unfortunately, there are only 75 cases produced, so don’t miss a chance to grab a bottle if you can.
James Suckling
Fantastic aromas of crushed berry, blueberry and raspberry with some cassis. Gorgeous on the nose. It’s full-bodied, tight and layered with chewy, polished tannins. Reserved and very compact, focused nature. Very long finish. A solid, wonderfully crafted red. Give this time. Drink after 2024 and onwards.
Wine Advocate
Composed of 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, the deep garnet-purple colored, 2018 Cabernet Franc Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard leaps from the glass with scents of Morello cherries, black cherries and black raspberries followed by a gorgeous emerging perfume of red roses, chocolate box and star anise plus a waft of pencil shavings. Full-bodied, rich and laden with perfumed black and red fruit preserves flavors, it has fantastically plush tannins and a refreshing line, finishing long and layered.
Vinous Media
The 2018 Cabernet Franc Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is bright and aromatic, with tons of Franc character complementing the natural richness of To Kalon. Mocha, spice, leather, licorice and cedar accents play off a core of racy, red berry fruit. Time in the glass brings the aromatic presence and more mid-weight feel of Franc (relative to Cabernet Sauvignon).
International Wine Report
The 2018 Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Franc begins with inviting aromas of ripe dark berries, dark cherries and cassis, which are laced with exotic spices, tobacco and cigar box nuances all taking shape. On the palate this possesses a full body, which is well-structured and supported by velvety tannins. It displays notable concentration and depth with a core of ripe dark fruits and exotic spices that persist all the way through the long finish. Amici winemaker Tony Biagi has crafted a delicious Cabernet Franc which is accessible today, however I expect this will become even more compelling with just a few more years of bottle age.
