The Wine Advocate | RP 98
Published: 21 Nov 2023

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.

Drink Date: 2025 - 2045

Winemaker

The most coveted bottling in the portfolio, Old Sparky Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from a section of the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard that is planted on rich soils containing ancient marine sediment and an alluvial fan that provides excellent mineral deposits. Blended from a selection of only the best barrels from the vintage, the wine is full-bodied with concentrated black and purple fruit balanced with elegant floral and spice notes, fresh acidity, and firm ripe tannins. A wine that is built to age and recommended to cellar for 12-15 years.

Year: 2021
Brand: Schrader
Vineyard: Beckstoffer To Kalon
Appellation: Oakville, Napa Valley
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Composition: Clones 4, 6 and 337
Cooperage: Aged in 100% new Darnajou and Taransaud French oak barrels
Winemaker: Thomas Brown