Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 is a legendary Napa Valley Cabernet from the iconic Oakville district, crafted by pioneering winemaker Paul Hobbs using 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from legendary old vines.

Critic tasting note: (2002 vintage)

"Young and so tannic, but the fruit is massive and intense, and the balance suggests aging. Blackberries, cassis and oak mesh perfectly in this dry wine. The alcohol is creeping up there, at. Best now with very rich fare, or hold through 2012." - Wine Enthusiast (92/100)

Robert Parker The Wine Advocate (100/100)

"One of the greatest young Cabernet Sauvignons I have ever tasted is the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard (which I also rated 100 when it was first bottled). This wine has hardly changed since its release. Still incredibly youthful, it reveals a blue/black color along with notes of black currants, camphor, graphite, high quality unsmoked cigar tobacco, blackberries and a touch of oak. Full-bodied and multilayered with terrific texture and richness as well as a 60-second finish, this young, exuberant, slightly flamboyant classic offers an interesting contrast in style with other top producers (such as Schrader Cellars) that also farm parcels of the Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard. Like most young Cabernets, this wine can be drunk now because of the sweetness of its tannins, but it is a good decade away from full maturity. It should last until 2040-2050. Bravo!

Paul Hobbs has had an enviable career as a winemaker in California and a leading consultant in South America, particularly in Argentina, where he has fashioned a succession of brilliant Malbecs." - Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Tasting Profile

Dense purple hue with aromas of creme de cassis, black cherry, cedar, licorice, spice box, graphite, black currants, violets, and minerals. The massive yet balanced palate delivers opulent concentration, bold ripe tannins, rich dense flavors, and exotic spicy persistence.

Key Traits

• Body: Full-throttle with massive intensity, vibrancy, and seamless harmony from 100% new French oak.

• Aging: Still youthful at 24 years with 2010-2030+ window (96-100 points critics); pairs with prime rib, venison, or truffled steak.

• Terroir: To Kalon's legendary gravelly loam yields unprecedented power, purity, and delineation.