Carter Cellars Beckstoffer To Kalon - 'The G.T.O' 2023

Tasting Notes

From the very best barrels, out of the very best slices of the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, the Carter Cellar’s GTO is "a true bucket list Cabernet Sauvignon" and the 2023 is no exception. Available only in magnum format, this is a monumental wine that possesses huge notes of bright black cherry and crème de cassis and toasty integrated oak in both the aromatic and flavor profile. The sweetness of finely grained tannins combine to create a finish that is endless and elegant in this super concentrated rich wine. Like all of our Beckstoffer To Kalon wines the emerging complexity permits enjoyment at an early stage, but let it age for 4 or more years to see the best of what this wine has to offer.

Carter Cellars Beckstoffer To Kalon 'The G.T.O' Label

"Released only in magnum, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard The G.T.O might just be the standout in the lineup. Revealing a dense purple hue as well as sensational aromatics of crème de cassis, gravelly earth, tobacco, and black olive tapenade, it's full-bodied, has a flawlessly balanced, seamless mouthfeel, ripe yet utterly seamless tannins, and a great finish. This quintessential 2023 will offer pleasure in its youth yet will handsomely reward 4-5 years of bottle age. It should have decades of overall longevity."

100 - 97 Points ~Jeb Dunnuck Barrel Sample

100 - 98 Points ~Robert Parker Barrel Sample

Map of the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard

View Larger Map

The History of the To Kalon Vineyard

The Beckstoffer portion of the historic original To Kalon Vineyard in the Oakville AVA was purchased from Beaulieu Vineyard in 1993. Beaulieu had purchased the property from the Crabb estate in 1940 and called it their Beaulieu Vineyard No. 4. Napa Pioneer Hamilton Crabb first planted the vineyard in 1868 and it has produced some of the Napa Valley's best red grapes ever since. Replanted after phylloxera by Beckstoffer from 1994 to 1997 to multiple clones of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc with modern trellising and closer vine spacing, the vineyard produces several luxury award winning vineyard designated wines. These vineyard designated Cabernet Sauvignon wines include Schrader Cellars, Paul Hobbs, Tor, Realm and of course, Carter Cellars.