Beckstoffer To Kalon is possibly Napa Valley’s most iconic vineyard, in part due to the number of 100-point wines that have carried its vineyard designation. Napa pioneer Hamilton Crabb first planted the historical vineyard in 1868, and it was acquired by Andy Beckstoffer in 1993, who championed the concept of vineyard-designated wines. The rest is history. READ MORE
The vineyard lies on the western boundary of the Oakville Appellation. Running through the middle and west side of the vineyard are remnants of ancient streambeds riddled with rock, which provide exceptional drainage – ideal habitat for Cabernet Sauvignon. Over the last two decades, we have accumulated 11 blocks in this coveted vineyard, with two rare blocks of Cabernet Franc. We consider each block First Growth quality.
Our 2024 To Kalon spent 25 days fermenting on the skins—a timeframe guided entirely by taste rather than a set formula. Following a gentle basket pressing, the wine matured for 20 months in French oak barrels from Darnajou and Taransaud (80% new). Every decision throughout the winemaking process relied on constant tasting, experience, and intuition. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, the wine retains its full natural texture and maximum expression of mouthfeel.
“The 2024 To Kalon opens with a captivating array of vibrant red and dark fruits, complemented by nuanced notes of unsmoked pipe tobacco and subtle tar. On the palate, it strikes a seamless balance between medium and full weight, framed by exceptionally refined tannins. Intricate layers of leather, clove, cardamom, cinnamon, and a lift of cool menthol deliver impressive depth and complexity. Echoing the structural elegance of the 2021 vintage combined with the rich, vibrant fruit profile of 2019, this expression displays remarkable poise and longevity.” –Jeff Ames
2024 shoots pushed in early spring with vigor due to excellent groundwater and warm conditions, forming healthy canopies. Before veraison, in June and into July, Napa experienced two short heat spikes which accelerated ripening. It was an early start for the vineyards, and an early harvest for the winemakers, a bit fast and furious toward the end, but overall one we all fondly look back on as special. The wines have great color, extract, layers of flavor, excellent #s (PH/TA/dry extract/etc..). 2024 is reminiscent of some of the great vintages of the past, like 1987 and 1991, that have aged extremely well.
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