2021 To Kalon Vineyard Co. Highest Beauty Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Andy Erickson, a winemaker renowned for his work with icons like Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate, embarked on an extraordinary journey to craft this wine. Armed with a map and a palate honed by decades of experience, Andy explored 56 distinct blocks of Cabernet in the famed To Kalon Vineyard, tasting and walking through each to capture their essence. His attention to detail went beyond the vineyard; he even designed the fermenters used to create this extraordinary wine, ensuring every step of the process was tailored to perfection.

To Kalon Vineyard is no ordinary piece of Napa Valley. Planted over 150 years ago by H.W. Crabb, its history is as rich as the wines it produces. Named “To Kalon,” Greek for “Highest Beauty,” the vineyard sits in a sweet spot between the Vaca and Mayacamas mountain ranges, where well-drained gravelly soils and a perfect blend of sun, fog, and wind create ideal conditions for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s no wonder this vineyard has been hailed as one of the most coveted sites in the world.

The 2021 vintage presented challenges, with California enduring one of its longest droughts in a century. Yet, To Kalon’s resilience shone through. The grapes harvested were small, intensely flavored, and brimming with potential. This vintage captures the vineyard’s legacy of strength and beauty, delivering a wine that is concentrated, complex, and structured. Whether enjoyed now or aged for decades, the 2021 Highest Beauty is a profound expression of To Kalon’s terroir.

Andy Erickson’s passion for To Kalon Vineyard is evident in every sip. Having first encountered this iconic site as a student nearly 30 years ago, Andy has been captivated ever since. His unparalleled experience, including time under legends like Paul Hobbs and Michel Rolland, has culminated in this wine—a masterpiece that honors the vineyard’s legacy while showcasing his own artistry.

Highest Beauty is a tribute to Napa Valley’s history and a testament to the craftsmanship of one of its most celebrated winemakers. A bottle of this Cabernet isn’t just something to drink—it’s something to treasure. Secure yours today and experience the magic of To Kalon Vineyard.

2021 is looking to be one of the vintages of the decade. Vinous Media blessed this year with a 95-98 point score, and said: "Two thousand twenty-one is a fabulous vintage in Napa Valley. That’s the good news. The not so good news is that production is down sharply, 30-50% in many cases. The wines have tremendous energy as well as finesse. In tasting, the 2021s show some of the savory intensity of other drought vintages – 2013 and 2014 come to mind – but with more aromatic explosiveness and greater inner sweetness."

Aging: 20 months in French oak barrels

100% Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is a sensory journey. Aromas of cherry, black raspberry, and chocolate shavings with a touch of cedar captivate the nose. The palate unfolds with flavors of black licorice, tobacco, and cocoa nib, all wrapped in a velvety texture enhanced by 20 months in 100% new French oak. The balance of power and elegance is unmistakable—a hallmark of both the vineyard and the winemaker.

A richly fruited version, offering boysenberry, black currant and blackberry puree notes that stream through, yet this stays reserved in style, with a remarkable sense of polish. Loam, licorice root and singed alder elements emerge steadily through the long finish. A lovely late twang of iron adds to the range. Drink now through 2044. 650 cases made. ~95, Wine Spectator

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