{"product_id":"schrader-cellars-tks-to-kalon-vineyard-cabernet-sauvignon-oakville-usa-2023-750ml","title":"Schrader Cellars 'TKS' To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 750ml","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e97-99pts Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eSchrader's 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon TKS comes from a back corner of the vineyard, down near Far Niente and Stelling, planted to Clone 337. It offers compelling aromatic complexity, with gently floral elements of violets, thyme and menthol floating atop mixed red and black cherries. Full-bodied, richly concentrated and tannic, it's nevertheless ripe and velvety on the lingering finish. \u003cb\u003eDrink Date: \u003c\/b\u003e2030 - 2050\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eSchrader followers will know that 2021 marked the last vintage of sourcing from Beckstoffer's Heritage Vineyards. These 2022 and 2023 wines come exclusively from Mondavi-owned sites. Mondavi's vineyard manager, Blake Wood, formerly worked on the Beckstoffer team at To Kalon, and Thomas Rivers Brown remains as the winemaker, so quality remains high, even if it may take a few vintages to relearn which bottlings are your personal favorites. The 2023s are a step up in quality from the 2022s, but if you are already on the mailing list, you will likely have to buy the 2022s to maintain your spot. Don't worry—the 2022s are still excellent, even if they don't flirt with perfection the way the 2023s do. \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003eReviewed by: \u003c\/b\u003eJoe Czerwinski\u003cb\u003e Published: \u003c\/b\u003eJun 12, 2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTerroir\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe “TKS” bottling draws from the historic Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, one of Napa Valley’s most revered sites and a benchmark for world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Situated on the western side of Oakville, the vineyard benefits from a rare convergence of climatic moderation and soil diversity. Warm, sun-filled days promote full ripeness, while cooling evening breezes descending from the Mayacamas Mountains preserve acidity and aromatic freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe vineyard’s soils are predominantly well-drained alluvial deposits, composed of gravel, sand, and loam, which naturally restrict vine vigor and encourage deep root systems. These conditions result in small berries with thick skins, delivering intense flavor concentration, structural tannin, and a pronounced mineral signature. The 2023 vintage offered a long, even growing season, allowing for precise harvest timing and exceptional phenolic maturity—qualities that shine through in the depth, balance, and purity of the finished wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaking \u0026amp; Technical Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e“TKS” is a flagship expression of Schrader Cellars’ To Kalon portfolio, crafted exclusively from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from meticulously selected vineyard blocks. Fruit is hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, followed by rigorous sorting to ensure only pristine clusters are vinified. Fermentation is conducted with close attention to extraction, emphasizing texture and aromatic clarity rather than brute force.\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe wine is aged in 100% French oak barrels, with a high proportion of new oak selected specifically to frame the wine’s concentration and structure. Elevage is extended and carefully managed to promote seamless integration between fruit, tannin, and oak. Schrader’s approach to “TKS” prioritizes polish, density, and longevity, producing a wine built for long-term evolution without sacrificing early appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe 2023 Schrader “TKS” opens with a profound and commanding aromatic presence. Blackcurrant, blackberry compote, and dark plum form the core, layered with notes of graphite, crushed rock, cedar, and espresso. As the wine opens, additional nuances of violet, cocoa powder, sweet tobacco, and baking spice emerge, adding complexity and dimension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOn the palate, the wine is full-bodied, deeply structured, and remarkably refined. Concentrated flavors of cassis, black cherry, and dark chocolate are delivered with precision and power, supported by finely grained, sculpted tannins that coat the palate without heaviness. Despite its intensity, the wine maintains a striking sense of balance, with underlying freshness and mineral tension providing lift and clarity through the mid-palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe texture is luxurious yet controlled, unfolding in layers rather than in a single wave. As it evolves, savory notes of anise, graphite, and subtle herbal tones emerge, reinforcing the wine’s complexity. The finish is exceptionally long and resonant, lingering with dark fruit, spice, and a distinct To Kalon mineral imprint that underscores its pedigree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood Pairing \u0026amp; Service\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eSchrader Cellars “TKS” To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 is best paired with prime cuts of beef, dry-aged ribeye, lamb, and richly prepared game, as well as dishes featuring black truffle, wild mushrooms, or reduction sauces. Its depth and structure also complement aged hard cheeses and cellar-worthy preparations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eServe at 60–65°F (15–18°C) and decant generously—ideally for 2–4 hours when young—to allow the wine to fully allow its aromatic and textural complexity. While already impressive in its youth, this wine is built for the long haul, with an aging horizon of 20–25+ years, during which it will continue to develop tertiary nuance, savory depth, and greater harmony.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Schrader Cellars","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45663680495812,"sku":"APB301691","price":469.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0708\/8635\/9236\/files\/SchraderCellars_TKS_ToKalonVineyardCabernetSauvignon2023750ml.jpg?v=1769184309","url":"https:\/\/www.prismfinewine.com\/products\/schrader-cellars-tks-to-kalon-vineyard-cabernet-sauvignon-oakville-usa-2023-750ml","provider":"Prism Fine Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}