2002 Behrens Family Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Vineyard To Kalon

A noble expression of premier grand cru Cabernet Sauvignon that could easily compete with some of the finest Bordeaux is the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer-To Kalon Vineyard. 2002 was obviously a great vintage for this famed vineyard situated in the Oakville corridor. This offering possesses an inky/purple color as well as a glorious perfume of graphite, smoked herbs, creme de cassis, and new saddle leather. Full-bodied, with magnificent concentration and purity, low acidity, and high but well-integrated tannin, this wine can be approached now, but promises to hit its stride in 4-5 years, and last for 15-20. It is the most profound Cabernet Sauvignon the B & H consortium has yet produced. I can’t say enough good things about Behrens and Hitchcock. This is the type of winery operation that gives hope to aspiring home winemakers who want to make it in the big time. They have followed their dreams, unearthed top vineyards that were available to everybody, and are making non-interventionalistic wines of extraordinary personality and character. (Release date 4/05) Tel. 707-963-1774; Fax 707-963-8206

(16.2% alcohol) Deep bright ruby. Flamboyantly ripe aromas of blackberry, cassis, black cherry, violet and cola; shows a distinct candied berry quality. A superconcentrated essence of cassis and black cherry; hugely dense but also surprisingly suave in texture. The huge tannins coat the sides of the mouth, but, thanks to the wine's extraordinary mid-palate material, avoid dryness.