Schrader 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, RBS To Kalon Vyd., Napa Valley

For more than a decade Schrader Cellars has produced benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon from the most prestigious vineyards in the Napa Valley — notably the first-growth Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville. With winemaker Thomas Brown they have created wines known for their vibrant flavor and opulent richness. Schrader Cellars has garnered the highest critical acclaim in the history of American Cabernet Sauvignon production, where their'no-holds barred' wines represent excellence at the highest level from vineyard practices through the careful bottling and delivery of each and every wine.

In 2017, due to a combination of natural phenomena, the yields are slightly lower. This lower than average yield allowed for greater concentration on the vine providing the wines with more depth of character and rich complexity.

This wine was sourced entirely from the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, Napa Valley. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon clone 337. It was aged 20 months in rare Darnajou French oak barrels.

Barrel tastings of this wine drew revae reviews. James Suckling said "Beautiful raspberries and orange peel. Medium to full body and round, layered tannins. Delicious finish. Juicy. 94-95"

The Wine Advocate said "A barrel sample, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon RBS To Kalon Vineyard is deep purple-black colored with lovely kirsch, fresh blackcurrants, lifted lilacs and dried Provence herbs with wafts of rose hip tea and cinnamon stick. The palate is medium to full-bodied, refreshing and with nice harmony even at this early stage, finishing with great vibrancy. 92-95"

and Jeb Dunnuck said "The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard has slightly more freshness as well as pretty notes of blue fruits, violets, and underbrush, with full-bodied richness and building tannins on the palate. Elegant, seamless, and cutting a straight line across the palate, it’s going to benefit from short-term cellaring. 94-96"