Carter Cellars 2021 Cabernet Beckstoffer To Kalon “The Three Kings” Oakville, Napa 99 Points

TWI (Lisa Perottii-Brown) 99 Points: “Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon The Three Kings flows effortlessly from the glass with fantastic scents of crushed black and red currants, boysenberry preserves, and rose oil followed by nuances of Sichuan pepper, dried lavender, and tilled soil. The rich, intense, full-bodied palate has compelling energy with fine-grained tannins and great tension, finishing long and shimmery.”

Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points: “Leading off the To Kalon releases, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard The Three Kings is based on Clone 7 and was brought up in new barrels. There are 132 cases produced, and it’s loaded with ripe blackberry and currant fruit as well as notes of licorice, scorched earth, smoked tobacco, and graphite. More structured, focused, and inward than normal, it has substantial tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, remarkable purity, and a great finish. Give this powerful, structured yet impeccably balanced Cabernet Sauvignon 4-5 years of bottle age and drink over the following 20+ years.”

Winemaker Notes: “From the back of the Beckstoffer To Kalon vineyard, this wine throws off an amazingly deep ruby color tinged with an electric purple hue. Revealing superb balance and concentration, it is a successful expression of both the richness and power of clone 7 from this world-class vineyard. With its fruit-forward profile, the wine opens up immediately with floral aromatics mixed with dark gooseberries, spices, and blue/black fruit. The palate is heroic loaded with racy yet rounded firm tannins and waves of decadent fruit. Like all Carter Cellars wines, this wine is approachable immediately, but give this beautiful wine a couple of years in the cellar to round out and you’ll be rewarded by additional nuances and depth.”