98pts International Wine Report

The Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon from Tor is once again simply marvelous. It instantly bursts open with stunning aromatics of blackberries, black cherries and hints of blueberries, which are woven together with tobacco, pencil shavings, sweet spices and herbs all bursting from the glass. On the palate this is full-bodied and beautifully structured with gorgeous round, polished tannins. This possesses incredible concentration and focus as well as remarkable overall balance. It goes on to impress with its ripe core of delicious dark fruits and savory flavors. Everything comes together seamlessly on the long expansive finish as it continues to linger effortlessly. This is a flat-out stunning wine that is extremely expressive and already open for business, however Tor’s wines are known to age beautifully and this will likely become even more impressive as it evolves over time.

97+pts Jeb Dunnuck

A vineyard that rarely holds things close to its vest, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard just about jumps from the glass with its brilliant perfume of red, blue, and black fruits as well as flowery incense, Asian spices, tapenade, and iron-like aromas and flavors. One of the more structured, tannic wines in the lineup, it's medium to full-bodied, has a great mid-palate, and serious length on the finish. As with most 2019s, there's plenty of early appeal, yet smart money will give these 3-5 years.

97pts James Suckling

Blueberry, dark chocolate, sandalwood and cedar. Crushed stone, too. Full-bodied with depth of fruit and richness. The tannins are chewy and focused. A leaner yet rich palate that gives a special interpretation of To Kalon. Drink after 2024.

96pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

A barrel sample, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon has a deep garnet-purple color and bursts with black cherry preserves, blackcurrant jelly and boysenberries scents plus suggestions of pencil shavings, dusty soil, cinnamon stick and crushed rocks. The medium to full-bodied palate has loads of lively black fruit and earthy flavors with a firm, grainy texture and long savory finish. Lisa Perrotti-Brown 

(94-96pts)

Winemaker Notes

The 2019 To Kalon Cabernet is truly unlike any other To Kalon we have made in 20 years. This years wine includes the largest percentage of Cabernet Franc that we have ever had in a To Kalon and wow what that did! This years version has all of the depth and richness that you expect from a To Kalon Cabernet but with much more refined tannins and a slight rosewater, tobacco edge that is not normally there.  In addition the lift and freshness that the addition of the Franc added makes this perhaps the most food friendly To Kalon we have ever made. As great as past To Kalons have been it is very hard to single this out as the best but in a few years I would not be surprised to see it there.

After a good wet spring, the 2019 growing season fell into its typical dry and sunny summer, unmarked by any extremes. Consistent temps helped to preserve freshness and finesse in the fruit with abundant hang time teasing out great color, structure and soft tannins. The fruit set was lighter than 2018, clusters tight and concentrated. 2019 were slow to come around in barrel, but once in bottle showed very precocious, more so than 2018. This is a vintage that is going to make a lot of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon lovers very happy. An outstanding Napa Valley vintage with very accessible wines that will age well.