2004 Schrader Cellars CCS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 1x750ml

Robert Parker 96

The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon CCS, fashioned from clones 4 and 337, included for the first time some fruit from the Las Piedres vineyard as well as from the Beckstoffer To-Kalon vineyard. It was aged 20 months in 100% Darnajou barrels and finished at the same alcohol level of 14.5 %. With a dense, purple color that is opaque to the rim, it offers up notes of incense, camphor, toast, black currants and blackberry. This deep, opulent fleshy and forward style of wine seems to have hit full maturity relatively early and has sensational texture, purity and a finish of close to 50 seconds. This is a spectacular wine that should drink well for 15-20 more years. [04/01/2014]

Anticipated maturity: 2014-2034

Vinous 92+

Good full ruby. Aromas of blackberry, cassis, licorice, violet and tar, with more new oak showing than in the RBS. Then less pliant and open in the mouth, with considerable power to its dark fruit and mineral flavors. Very chewy young cabernet with a strong backbone for aging, and much less fruit-forward than the RBS. The Clone 4 component is responsible for the wine’s muscularity, notes winemaker Thomas Brown, while Clone 6 gives the floral high tones. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/05/2007]