Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

The To Kalon Vineyard has a long and storied history in the Napa Valley. Pioneering vintner H.W. Crabb first planted this vineyard in the mid-19th century. Well-regarded for its superlative fruit, he named it To Kalon, Greek for 'highest good'. In the 20th century, To Kalon found new glory as the source of the legendary Georges de Latour wines made by Andre Tchelistcheff. The sections farmed by Paul Hobbs are specified by not just the block or row, but by the vine. Owned and managed by the quality-driven Andy Beckstoffer, this site has a flat topography with a north south exposure. The soil is well-draining, lightly colored gravelly soils with high mineral, low organic content, situated on the Oakville bench. Oakville is sun-filled and warm by day, and cooled in the late afternoon by Pacific breezes coming in over the Mayacamas Mountains.

The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard has a densely saturated garnet color, focused aromatics of crushed graphite, cedar, sage, and cigar box, and flavors of mountain black cherry, wild blackberry and currants. Full-bodied and round, framed by waves of silky yet pronounced tannins, this glides into a long, elegant finish. Pair with a pan roasted veal chop, or well-seasoned dry aged beef.