2018 To Kalon Vineyard Company 'HWC' Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

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.

2018 was a Napa winemaker's dream, a vintage Decanter says “belongs in an echelon with the finest of the past two decades,” and 2018 Wine Spectator blessed this year with 99 points and said it was a"Spectacular year, with wines that are rich and dark, but detailed, restrained in style and very terroir-driven."

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.

Lots of redcurrants on the nose, together with some sweet tobacco and roses. Medium-to full-bodied with creamy, round tannins and a flavorful finish. From a single parcel in To Kalon with a heritage clone of cabernet sauvignon. Juicy and delicious already, but needs a few years to open. ~97 James Suckling

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon HWC emerges from a single block where yields are naturally low. The HWC is the most opulent of the three 2018s from To Kalon Vineyard Co. Inky dark fruit, blueberry jam, bittersweet chocolate, spice, new leather and licorice are all kicked up a few notches. The 2018 is a powerhouse and needs quite a bit of time to open. I imagine the tannins will always remain potent. ~92 Vinous Media

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