2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve "To Kalon"

(15% alcohol; made with 35 days of skin contact; 96% from To Kalon fruit): Dark ruby. Aromas of crushed blackberry, violet and bitter chocolate are complicated by musky spices and tobacco. Sweet, vinous and deep, conveying a distinct ripeness to the flavors of black raspberry, blueberry and sexy spices. Boasts a wonderfully fine-grained texture and outstanding depth of fruit, as well as the framing energy to give it outstanding energy and definition. Finishes with huge but fully ripe tannins and resounding length. This still tastes like a barrel sample, but with no hardness.

- Stephen Tanzer (03/2016)

I was also able to taste a bottle of the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve To Kalon Vineyard during my visit, and it's a beautiful, fully mature effort with lots of currant, white truffle, tobacco leaf, and hints of iron in its full-bodied, seamless profile. It's not massive by any means, but it has that classic 2012 open, seamless, seductive style. Enjoy bottles any time over the coming decade. (12/2023)

Along with 2008, this is the best of the recent vintages. Dramatic, explosive flavors impart strength, personality and depth. -- Robert Mondavi vertical (December 2015). Drink now through 2037. 7,269 cases made.

- J.L.