The Wine Advocate | RP 97
Published: Dec 12, 2019

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. 

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

Fabulous aromas of crushed blackcurrants, licorice, tar and violet. Inkwell, too. Medium body and tight, linear tannins that are polished and chewy. Driven finish. Needs time to open. First vintage of this wine and from Constellation?s To Kalon holdings. Drink after 2022.

Winemaker

Year 2017
Brand Schrader
Vineyard To Kalon Vineyard
Appellation Oakville, Napa Valley
Varietal 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Composition Pure Clone 169
Cooperage Aged 20 months in rare Darnajou French oak barrels
Winemaker Thomas Brown

Profile
The debut vintage of Schrader MB explores the vast riches of the Historic To Kalon Vineyard?s Monastery Block to its fullest potential. The fruit from this gravelly vineyard block abutting the Mayacamas Mountains creates a dense, focused, round, and uniquely supple wine with miles of intensely dark, ripe black fruit, dusty earth, and toasty oak. New for the 2017 vintage, the Schrader MB shows elegance and luster, offering a unique expression of this remarkable block of the historic vineyard site.

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.

Critical Praise
Rated 93-95 A barrel sample, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Monastery Block is deep garnet-purple and has a nose of warm blackberries, preserved plums and mulberries with an earthy/savory undercurrent of smoked mates, chargrill, roasted nuts and saut?ed herbs. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm and concentrated, with nice ripe, grainy tannins and great concentration, finishing long and earthy.