2021
Lithology
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard

Cabernet Franc

This Cabernet Franc presents a captivating deep purple hue in the glass. Aromas of blackberry cobbler, vanilla, violets, and lavender entice the senses. On the palate, it delivers a dense mouthfeel with flavors of chocolate-covered strawberries, cocoa, blood orange, and brown sugar, accompanied by a hint of clove smoke. Balanced acidity reveals notes of strawberries, citrus, cocoa, clove, and brown sugar, supported by plush tannins, leading to a lingering, perfumed finish. The most celebrated vineyard in Napa Valley, this special site on the Oakville Bench has been producing wines of the “highest beauty” for nearly 150 years. We are fortunate enough to pull from three of Andy Beckstoffer’s top blocks for Lithology.

Vineyard

Located at the base of the western hills in St. Helena, this celebrated vineyard was first planted in 1858 by Dr. George Belden Crane. The vines here are vigorous with extensive leaf coverage as they thrive in the rocky terrain and gravelly loam soils. Producing wines of unparalleled quality and uniqueness, this vineyard is a testament to the excellence of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

2021 Lithology Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Franc Matt Sands, Lithology Winemaker

Tasting Notes

An aromatic wine with precision and freshness, our 2021 To Kalon Cabernet Franc has notes of fresh cut strawberries, blueberries, menthol, and a lifted forest floor. The midpalate weight and grippy tannins lead to a slightly short finish. Decant for best enjoyment.

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Technical Details

Blend95% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
WinemakerMatt Sands, Philippe Melka and Michel Rolland
AppellationNapa Valley
Harvest DateSeptember 29, 2021
Alcohol15.2%

99 Decanter - Jonathan Cristaldi

“Lithology’s Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Franc is a riveting, opulent, flashy red, embodying everything there is to love about a full-flavored California red wine. Loaded with blue fruit that will surely mellow with age, but for classicists looking forward to a finesse-driven Cabernet Franc, look elsewhere. This is larger-than-life Cabernet Franc, and there’s no denying the delicious factor, fueled by layers of blueberry, plum, and boysenberry fruit tinged with sweet cedar spices. A generous dose of minerality overtakes the mid-palate, and dusty tannins build on the finish, which gains in savory saline edges. One can see a window into the future of this wine, which is bright and more refined as it will eventually shed some of its youthful exuberance..”