The Wine Advocate | RP 95
Published: Dec 12, 2019

Schrader's CCS comes from Beckstoffer's To Kalon vineyard in Oakville, produced from clone 4 grown on the C1 block. One hundred percent Cabernet Sauvignon, it was aged in 100% new Darnajou oak barrels for 20 months. Very deep purple-black colored, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon CCS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is little youthfully mute to begin, slowly unfurling to reveal boysenberries, wild blueberries and plum preserves scents with a savory undercurrent of bouquet garni, charcuterie and black olives plus wafts of black truffles and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with earth-laced black fruits, finishing with plenty of chew and loads of savory layers. 617 cases were made. 
Drink Date 2022 - 2046

Jamessuckling.com | JS 95
Published: Feb 14, 2020

Blueberry, light tar and hot-stone aromas with hints of walnuts and violets. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a chewy, focused finish. Refined and pretty for the vintage. Drink or hold.

Winemaker

Year: 2017
Brand: Schrader 
Vineyard: Beckstoffer To Kalon 
Appellation: Oakville, Napa Valley 
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon 
Composition: Pure clone 4 
Cooperage: Aged 20 months in rare Darnajou French oak barrels 
Winemaker: Thomas Brown 

Profile
Continuing a superb string of classic vintages, the 2017 Schrader CCS offers excellent aromas of deep blackberry, toasty wood spice, and black licorice. It is exotically rich and intensely flavorful with integrated tannins and a finish of dark coffee and black fruits. An ideal combination of sweet fruit, oak, and balanced acidity provide approachability today and continued aging for the decades to come. 

Vintage
Spring of 2017 was one of the largest winter rainfall totals we have experienced in recent years. Fortunately, once flowering started, the rains held off and allowed for optimal fruit set and prepared the clusters for even fruit ripening. Veraison finished at the end of August and the vines were positioned for success. Due to a combination of natural phenomena, the yields in 2017 are slightly lower and nearly matched to those that we produced in 2016 and 2015. This lower than average yield allowed for greater concentration on the vine providing the wines with more depth of character and rich complexity.