The very first vintage of this new Schrader label, this 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Monastery Block To Kalon Vineyard comes from clone 169 planted on the Monastery Block of the Robert Mondavi section of To Kalon vineyard in Oakville. One hundred percent Cabernet Sauvignon, it was aged in 100% new oak for 20 months. Very deep purple-black colored, it bursts from the glass with a fruit explosion of blueberry compote, freshly crushed black plums, black cherry preserves and cassis, giving way to touches of red roses, cigar boxes, yeast extract and fallen leaves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a fantastic frame of bold freshness and very finely grained, firm tannins, impressively supporting the mouth-coating blue and black fruits, finishing very long and very perfumed. 365 cases were made.

Coming from the To Kalon vineyard, yet from the 3-acre Monastery Block owned by the estate of Robert Mondavi, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Monastery Block is all clone 169 of Cabernet and is aging in 100% new Darnajou barrels. It has a more focused, structured style compared to the Beckstoffer grown fruit and offers impressive amounts of cassis, graphite, new leather, and crushed rocks, with a Pauillac-like stature compared to the more overt sexiness of the other cuvées. With full-bodied richness, a deep, layered texture, and no shortage of length or richness, it’s going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and evolve gracefully.