Carter Cellars Beckstoffer To Kalon - 'The G.T.O' 2022
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 2022 is no exception. Available only in magnum format, this is a massive, yet heavenly, wine that possesses huge notes of bright black cherry and dense dark plum, matched with tell-tale flavors of Beckstoffer To Kalon spice in both the aromatic and tasting profiles. The sweetness of finely grained tannins combine to create a finish that is endless and elegant in this super-intense, rich wine. Like all of our Beckstoffer To Kalon wines the emerging complexity permits enjoyment at an early stage, but let it age for 10 or more years to see the best of what this wine has to offer.
"The 2022 Beckstoffer To Kalon 'The GTO' is once again a showstopper from Carter Cellars. Sourced from Carter’s very best parcels within the prestigious Beckstoffer To Kalon vineyard, this Cabernet demands attention with its deep, saturated purple color and a richly layered aromatics of blackberries, dark plums, and blueberries, which are laced with graphite, dark chocolate, crushed violets and sweet exotic spices that all burst from the glass. On the palate, this is full-bodied and exudes a remarkable combination of purity and intensity, showcasing robust flavors of black currants and blueberries interwoven with hints of espresso, dark chocolate, graphite and a touch of sweet spice. It continues to impress with its beautifully polished structure, which is supported by velvety tannins offering both strength and finesse. The finish is long and opulent, leaving behind gorgeous flavors of dark fruits, graphite and exotic spices, which add even further complexity and appeal to this truly exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Overall, this is a testament to the winemaking and vineyard management to produce such a quality wine given the challenges faced in this vintage."
99 Points ~ International Wine Report
Map of the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard
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.
