Carter Cellars

The O.G. Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

9.3

2021 vintage. Decanted and tasted after 30 minutes and 1.5 hours. Medium body. Surprisingly agile and without the usual, massive Napa Cab footprint on the palate. Fairly tight core of root beer and dark cherry that wasn't unraveling. This was obviously an infanticide episode but someone insisted. Delightful and tantalizing intro but, (currently) in the end, mostly sizzle and no steak. Maybe things roll diffy in a 15-spot jiffy but doubtful. The sexy intro/ambiance/influencer/wannabe vibe now doesn't translate into relevance a decade or two in. And if this was throwing everything into the pot now? Still comes up short for the price that is being commanded. 'Scuse me while I yell at some clouds. Lately things just don't seem the same. The grapes from this historic/unique vineyard are but pawns in some new, multi-millionaire/billionaire game. Gimmie some 70’s/80’s Mondavi Reserve Cabs instead porfa. Keep the Opus bleep. C’est la vie. 5.14.26. — 4 days ago

Bob, Joel and 9 others liked this

Tom Casagrande

The owners use the $$$ for all their trademark litigation over the “To Kalon” name

Carter Cellars

The Grand Daddy Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Joe Flo

9.7

Nothing better then a nice sunset with a great Carter 🍷 — 4 months ago

Sage, Rob and 3 others liked this

Marchesi Mazzei

Philip Toscana Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Ted

8.9

Still holding on at 12 years of age. Cedar and cigar box. Dark fruit. Blueberry. — 6 months ago

with Jeni

Juan, Rick and 11 others liked this

Philip Togni Vineyard

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.6

This is a producer that should be more revered than it is. His 90’s were amongst my favorite Napa Cabernets. Especially, the 94, which is exceptional and I’ve had on 3-4 occasions.

2007 is a grand vintage but this one needs more cellaring. It is still in its adolescence. I would like to try this in another 8-10 yrs. Don’t get me wrong, this drinks nicely now but it’s best is still ahead.

I coravined & decanted this in a big Bordeaux glass for an hour and it is still a 1/2 monster.

The nose shows; dark currents/cassis, blackberries, black plum w/ skin, very black cherries, black raspberries, poached/slightly baked strawberries with understated raspberries in the glass edges, dark, rich earth with dry leaves, steeped fruit tea, mocha powder, caramel, chocolate baking bar, understated baking spices-cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, vanillin, both black & red licorice/cola, moist herbs, tree sap, limestone, dry top soils-river stone and beautiful, withering/candied dark & red florals framed in candied violets.

The M+ tannins are round, velvety, dusty and still meaty. Dark currents/cassis, blackberries, black plum w/ skin, very black cherries, black raspberries, poached/slightly baked strawberries, liqueur cherries with understated, hovering raspberries. Dark, rich earth with dry leaves, steeped fruit tea, mocha powder, caramel, chocolate baking bar, understated baking spices-cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, vanillin, both black & red licorice/cola, moist herbs, tree sap, soft, moist cigar box, leather, anise, rounded very dark spices, moist clays, limestone, dry top soils-river stone and beautiful, withering/candied dark & red florals framed in candied violets, very round, pleasant acidity with balance for days, still pronounced structure/tension, great length and a smartly, polished, ruby two-minute finish that long sets on on deep, dark spice, earthiness & ruby, dark currents.

Right now a Filet steak, not a fatty steak, Ribeye or Ribcap.

Still so youthful! Add a point or two in 7-10 yrs. .

Philip is in his 90’s and still involved in the winemaking. He walks the property daily. — a month ago

Jeroen, Scott@Mister and 7 others liked this

Jeroen Koenen

A personal favorite! The 1997 iteration of this wine converted me, being a classic Bordeauxphile, into American wines some 20 years ago. Thank you for that, Mr. Togni.