Andy Erickson selected four plots of To Kalon Vineyard (including the Nastali block of old vines used for Mondavi Reserve) and blended the best cuvées. Fermentation and maceration took place for about 30 days, and the wine was aged in French barrels (100% new barrels) for about 20 months. It has a vivid red-purple color, and expresses To Kalon with both energy and freshness. The mouthfeel is silky and mellow, with well-ripened and rounded tannins, and delicate acidity balances the overall flavor. It is heavy but not too heavy, with a complex and long aftertaste that is smooth and long.
Vintage Information
2019 was an ideal year for winemakers.
Overall, it was a cool year, with a warm spring followed by a mild summer and a cool autumn which allowed for a long growing season, allowing the timing of harvest to be determined by judging the maturity of each block.
The freshness of the fruit and the complexity of the flavor are particularly noteworthy.
It can be enjoyed immediately, but will also age beautifully with many years in the cellar.
Tasting Comments - Andy Erickson
2019 was an ideal year for winemakers.
Overall, it was a cool year, with a warm spring followed by a mild summer and a cool autumn which allowed for a long growing season, allowing the timing of harvest to be determined by judging the maturity of each block.
The freshness of the fruit and the complexity of the flavor are particularly noteworthy.
It can be enjoyed immediately, but will also age beautifully with many years in the cellar.
Field Information
In search of his ideal "Highest Beauty," Andy Erickson walked through every block of the vast To Kalon vineyard, examining the soil and the angle of sunlight, and tasted all 56 cuvées that had been brewed and aged separately. He selected only those whose flavors and textures best expressed the beauty of the vineyard, and then gave them Andy's best tuning to express the beauty of To Kalon.
Vintage: 2019
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Napa Valley
Nested AVA, Other: Oakville
Vineyard: To Kalon Vineyard (own vineyard)
Note: Limited stock available James Suckling 98P, September 21, 2022
Winemaker: Andy Erickson
Winemaking: Strict selection, fermentation and maceration: about 30 days
Aging: 20 months in French barrels (100% new barrels)
Rating: 90P or above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.8%
JAN: 86003276055