Carter Cellars Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard The Three Kings Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 750ml

Product Info

100pts Jeb Dunnuck
"Slightly more complete and layered than its siblings, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard The Three Kings (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) offers a captivating perfume of crème de cassis, graphite, violets, and spring flowers. It's full-bodied on the palate and has a pure, layered, graceful mouthfeel, fine, polished tannins, and a monster of a finish. This absolutely heavenly stuff builds beautifully with time in the glass and is as good as anything in the vintage. It will benefit from short-term cellaring and cruise for 20-25 years. Drink 2028-2053."

97pts The Wine Advocate
"Another super effort from Carter and consultant Russell Bevan, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon The Three Kings delivers velvety waves of black cherries, vanilla and cedar. It's full-bodied and, plush, really rich and concentrated, with a tremendously long-lasting finish. Bevan describes The Three Kings as "traditionally the most textural and voluptuous; this vintage is a little more serious, because it was such a cool vintage."

Terroir
Drawn from select parcels within the legendary To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, “The Three Kings” reflects the extraordinary pedigree of this historic site. The vineyard’s gravelly, well-drained alluvial soils encourage deep root systems and naturally low yields, resulting in fruit of exceptional concentration. Warm Napa Valley sunshine ensures full ripening, while cool evening temperatures preserve freshness and aromatic complexity. This balance of power and finesse is a defining hallmark of To Kalon fruit.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
Produced in very limited quantities, “The Three Kings” is crafted with an uncompromising focus on quality. Hand-harvested fruit undergoes meticulous sorting before fermentation in small lots, allowing for precise control over extraction and structure. Extended maceration enhances depth and texture, while aging in a high percentage of new French oak barrels builds richness and integration. The winemaking approach emphasizes both intensity and refinement, capturing the essence of this iconic vineyard in a polished, cellar-worthy expression.

Tasting Notes
Dark and deeply saturated in the glass, this Cabernet opens with layered aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and ripe plum, accented by notes of graphite, cocoa, and espresso. Subtle floral tones of violet and hints of cedar and baking spice add complexity. The palate is full-bodied and opulent, with dense, finely knit tannins supporting a core of concentrated dark fruit. A thread of minerality brings lift and structure, while the finish is long, powerful, and impeccably balanced.

Food Pairing & Service
A natural partner for bold, savory cuisine, this wine pairs beautifully with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, or herb-crusted lamb. It also complements aged cheeses and dishes featuring earthy components such as mushrooms or truffle. For optimal expression, decant for one to two hours before serving and pour slightly below room temperature.

Cellaring Potential
Built for long-term aging, “The Three Kings” will continue to evolve over the next 15–25 years. Over time, its rich fruit profile will develop into more nuanced notes of leather, tobacco, and forest floor, while maintaining its structural integrity. Properly cellared, it promises a complex and rewarding evolution.