The top cuvée of the three wines named after the founder of To Kalon, the Hamiton Walker Club. The plots used for "HWC" in the vast To Kalon Vineyard are precious plots planted by the late Robert Mondavi himself in the 1960s (replanted in 2007). Fermentation and maceration are carried out for about 30 days, and the wine is aged in French barrels (100% new barrels). After barrel aging for about two and a half years, four months longer than Highest Beauty and Elizas Cuvées, it will be released in spring 2022 after bottle aging. It has exceptional balance, purity, and concentration. Harvested at the peak of maturity. It is not overly extracted, and shows outstanding freshness, a supple mouthfeel, richness, and a long aftertaste. It adds a high level of sophistication and a silky finish.
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
With a vibrant magenta hue, it exudes energy and freshness in a classic To Kalon style.
Although it is a Cabernet Sauvignon, it has notes of red raspberry and black cherry, as well as vanilla bean, earthy flavors, and spicy hints of clove.
The tannins in particular are silky and well-rounded, with a delicate acidity that balances the overall flavor.
It is heavy but not too heavy, with a complex and long aftertaste that lingers on effortlessly.
Field Information
This special wine is named after Hamilton Walker Club, the founder of To Kalon Vineyards.
The top cuvée of the current three-item lineup (Highest Beauty, Elizas Cuvée, HWC).
The vast To Kalon Vineyard is divided into several plots, with a wide variety of varieties, rootstocks, ages, clones, training methods, sun exposure, slopes, and soils. Until now, most of the vines have been blended.
After founding To Kalon Vineyard Company, Andy Erickson and his team conducted a variety of experiments.
The plot selected for this HWC was in the central area, close to Route 29.
This plot was planted by the late Robert Mondavi himself in the 1960s, when he fell in love with the land and hoped to produce the finest Cabernet Sauvignon.
Although the vineyards were replanted in 2007, the yield is still very low, resulting in rich fruit and a deep purple colour. The finished wine is fragrant, full of energy, and dense and rich.
This plot, which combines all the elements required to produce the finest Cabernet Sauvignon, has never been released as a separate plot until now, but is recognized by many stakeholders.
Andy selected it, tested it when making Highest Beauty, which began with the 2016 vintage, and was finally able to release it as a special cuvée on its own.
First released in 2018.
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)
Notes: Limited stock James Suckling 100P, September 21, 2022
Winemaker: Andy Erickson
Winemaking: Strict selection, fermentation and maceration: about 30 days
Aging: 26 months in French barrels (100% new barrels)
Rating: 100P
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.8%
JAN: 86003276062