2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Saturated bright medium ruby. The alluring aromas of black cherry, blackberry and licorice pastille reveal a chocolatey ripeness but are also nicely lifted by a violet topnote. Rich, plush and sweet, with the violet quality carrying through on the palate. The wine's dark berry flavors are complemented by incipient mineral and soil tones. Wonderfully floral and harmonious Cabernet, at once mouthfilling and juicy, from a high-yielding vintage (4.3 tons per acre, according to Hobbs) and a benign growing season without any extended heat spikes. Very dense and complete, finishing with an impression of solidity and outstanding persistence. (14.9% alcohol; 3.69 pH; 5.7 g/l acidity)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard reveals notes of blackberry preserves and blueberry compote with chocolate box, star anise, sandalwood, dried meat and black loam nuances. The full-bodied palate is earthy and muscular, with a solid frame of ripe, grainy tannins and just enough freshness to support the taut earthy and savory flavors, finishing on a lingering spicy note. 840 cases were made.
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard reveals notes of blackberry preserves and blueberry compote with chocolate box, star anise, sandalwood, dried meat and black loam nuances. The full-bodied palate is earthy and muscular, with a solid frame of ripe, grainy tannins and just enough freshness to support the taut earthy and savory flavors, finishing on a lingering spicy note. 840 cases were made.
The first-growth 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard flirts again with a potential perfect score when it is finally in bottle. Opaque purple in color, with notes of charcoal, graphite, incense, blueberry and blackberry fruit, and a touch of new oak followed by a full-bodied, massively concentrated mouthfeel. This is an amazing wine for a 2014, and the good news is that there are 800 cases of it, compared to only 638 in 2013. It should drink well for 20 or more years.
About the producer
Paul Hobbs is one of California wine’s biggest names. Twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker, he joined Robert Mondavi in 1977, worked at Opus One and Simi before setting up his eponymous winery in 1991.