Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard 2002 Paul Hobbs

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (100)

One of the greatest young Cabernet Sauvignons I have ever tasted is the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard (which I also rated 100 when it was first bottled). This wine has hardly changed since its release. Still incredibly youthful, it reveals a blue/black color along with notes of black currants, camphor, graphite, high quality unsmoked cigar tobacco, blackberries and a touch of oak. Full-bodied and multilayered with terrific texture and richness as well as a 60-second finish, this young, exuberant, slightly flamboyant classic offers an interesting contrast in style with other top producers (such as Schrader Cellars) that also farm parcels of the Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard. Like most young Cabernets, this wine can be drunk now because of the sweetness of its tannins, but it is a good decade away from full maturity. It should last until 2040-2050. Bravo!

Paul Hobbs has had an enviable career as a winemaker in California and a leading consultant in South America, particularly in Argentina, where he has fashioned a succession of brilliant Malbecs.

Winespectator (94)

Fantastic aromas of black cherry, blackberry, currant, violets, mineral and light toasty oak, it coats the palate with a rich, dense, multifaceted array of flavors. The tannins are bold and concentrated too, though ripe. This is a potent young stallion of a Cabernet, with an exotic spicy finish.

BOW (9.25)