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2018 The Debate Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Franc

Removed from a professional wine storage facility; Purchased direct from winery

Ends Sunday, 7pm Pacific

RATINGS

97The Wine Advocate

...scents of stewed red and black plums, chocolate-covered cherries, mulberries and rose oil with hints of cast iron pan, cinnamon stick, graphite and wild sage. The full-bodied palate is packed with red and black fruit preserves flavors, supported by firm, ripe grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long with a fragrant lift.

97Jeb Dunnuck

...sweet nose of mulberries, blueberries, and kirsch fruits as well as graphite, candied violets, and chocolate. Rich and full-bodied, it has a layered, opulent mouthfeel and plenty of sweet, chalky tannins...ample, classic Cabernet Franc floral and earthy nuances, and I love its overall balance.

95James Suckling

Violets, pine needles, eucalyptus and some smoked meat on the nose. Oyster shell and cacao...full-bodied and juicy with firm, chewy tannins. Complex layers of berries, herbs and iodine.

94Wine Enthusiast

...violet and blue fruit, elegantly powerful and dense in style. The muscular tannin profile underscores a impressive concentration of power that finds its way to a velvety, integrated and ultimately balanced finish of baking spice and clove.

92Wine Spectator

Pure and fresh up front, offering a sleek display of cassis and bitter cherry notes laced with a sanguine thread. Shows light tobacco and savory flecks through the loamy-edged finish.

REGION

United States, California, Napa Valley, Oakville, To Kalon Vineyard

To- Kalon is one of the most famous vineyards in Napa Valley, often called the first “grand cru” California vineyard. It has always inspired those who live near it. Native Americans called the area around it tu-la-halusi – meaning “beautiful land.” And later residents called it To-Kalon, Greek for “the most beautiful.” Originally planted by Hamilton Crabb in 1968, it today is owned by Andy Beckstoffer, the Robert Mondavi Winery and Opus One. Beckstoffer owns the lion’s share, with an 89-acre vineyard planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Beckstoffer sell To-Kalon grapes to such acclaimed producers as Schrader, Paul Hobbs, Tor Kenward, Realm, Alpha Omega and the Morlet Family. Beckstoffer Vineyards, a vineyard management business, owns and farms more than 3,600 acres of highly prestigious grape growing acreage in Napa Valley, Mendocino County and the Red Hills of Lake County. A senior executive with Heublein in the 1960s, Andy Beckstoffer is credited with steering Napa Valley vintners towards improving farming and the quality of the grapes used for wine.

TYPE

Red Wine, Cabernet Franc

This is a parent grape to Cabernet Sauvignon. It most likely originates from Basque country. It is an excellent blending grape, known for making the exquisite Cheval-Blanc. Franc is a little hardier on a vine than Sauvignon, but drinks smoothly at the table.