Pure perfection, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Lithology Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is a nuclear fruit bomb of a wine, offering massive richness and depth while being as graceful as a ballerina, with no sensation of weight or heaviness. Classic To Kalon crème de cassis, black raspberries, flowery incense, spice, and tobacco notes all define the bouquet, and it’s full-bodied, with a layered, multi-dimensional texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It has another 2-3 decades of prime drinking ahead of it. This cuvée is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from four blocks in To Kalon, aged 20 months in 82% new French oak.

With an opaque purple-black color, the 2018 Lithology Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard strides confidently out of the glass with classic notions of cassis, baked plums and cedar chest, plus suggestions of dusty soil, bouquet garni, cinnamon stick and dried lavender. The full-bodied-palate is laden with hedonic black fruit preserves and fragrant spices, framed by plush, well-managed tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and perfumed.

This is really fantastic with a terra-cotta and cement texture and flavor, as well as violets and other flowers. Full and very refined with great length. Hints of salinity. Better in a two or three years, but gorgeous even now.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Lithology Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is laced with the essence of crème de cassis, blackberry jam, chocolate, grilled herbs and licorice. This powerful, virile Cabernet needs a few years to soften, but it has a ton to offer. The natural breadth and resonance of To Kalon are very much on display.