2021 Schrader, Old Sparky Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Old Sparky is all Cabernet Sauvignon that's 50% from the D2 block that made the T6 Cuv e (this is clone 6) and the equal parts from RBS and Schrader releases. Released only in magnum, it reveals a dense purple hue as well as incredible aromatics of red, blue, and black fruits interwoven with graphite, a liqueur of rocks like minerality, and spring flowers. It's a killer bottle of wine that offers full-bodied richness, a deep, powerful mid-palate, incredible tannins, and a finish that won't quit. This beauty is going to blow you away anytime over the coming 25-30 years. It's heavenly stuff.

The 2021 Schrader Cellars Old Sparky Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon hails from a tiny vintage crop. A super-expressive nose of blackberry fruit and wild herbs leaps out of the glass with fragrant sandalwood and mocha. Full-bodied, with luscious and succulent black-toned fruits, this red shows satiny, polished tannins framed by a wealth of ironstone mineral notes through an exceptionally long finish nuanced by spicy herbs.

A best-barrel selection and blend chosen and made by Thomas Rivers Brown, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Old Sparky Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard essentially takes the characters of the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard bottling and ratchets up the intensity. Raspberries, blackberries and black cherries cascade over a base of deep Oakville loam and dried spices. It's full-bodied, rich, concentrated and almost creamy in texture, finishing lush and long. Bottled in magnum.