2011 TOR Meritage Napa Valley

WSI 96 This is truly unlike any To Kalon wine that we have ever made before because of the addition of the Cabernet Franc. This shows a tremendous bit of tobacco, earth and spice (think a mix of Graves/Pessac in Bordeaux and Oakville Cabernet). This is a little bit less forward and giving right away. It will need some additional air time to show all that it has. With time, this may very well end up being one of (if not the) favorite To Kalon wines for me to drink. This may also be the longest lived wine we have made from this vineyard. 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Cabernet Franc. 240 cases produced.

AG 92 (the cabernet sauvignon in this vineyard was hit hard by rain at flowering, with the result that this wine includes a sizable percentage of cab franc, which had a decent set a bit later): Lovely floral perfume lifts the aromas of raspberry and cherry. Floral and refined, with enticing aromatic lift and well-integrated acidity to the red fruit and spice flavors. Finishes floral and long. This has turned out well, thanks to the high quality of its cabernet franc component.