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Robert Parker Wine Advocate
2015 Schrader Cellars RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA
VINTAGE
The 2015 vintage was radiant with abundant sunshine and consistent weather that yielded an excellent, albeit small, crop of optimally ripe grapes from all of our vineyard sources. Now resting in barrel, the young wines are showing their brilliance with boundless fruit character that harkens back to the acclaimed 2012 vintage. While it is the fruit profile that reflects these wines, it is the underlying firm structure of the 2015 Cabernets that distinguishes them from their siblings. As Thomas remarked, "fruit sweetness will allow these wines to drink really well while young, yet it's their looming structure that will allow for long aging."
PROFILE
True to the greatness of the vintage, the 2015 Schrader RBS is an incredibly decadent wine with intense aromas of red and blue fruits mixed with notes of spring blossoms, spice, pencil shavings and savory incense. Flavors of cassis, currants, and crushed plums dance across the palate. The fine tannins and exceptional balance carry through to the silky, smooth finish. With its supple profile, our Schrader RBS is delicious and approachable upon release, and will continue to evolve with cellar aging.
OAKVILLE: Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard
Originally planted by pioneer Hamilton Crabb in 1868, To Kalon – meaning 'highest beauty' in Greek – is a noble first growth estate in Oakville that has established itself as the preeminent source of Napa Valley’s finest grapes. The vineyard is defined by its high mineral content and exceptional drainage, offering optimal north-south sun exposure by day with cool coastal breezes at night that we feel is the ideal environment for growing our Cabernet Sauvignon.