Mission Codename Born in the USA
The man, the myth, the legend. Sure, Robert Mondavi was a great business man and visionary for the Napa Valley wine industry, but he also had the vineyard(s) to back it up. To Kalon has entered the chat. For some of us here at Wine Spies HQ, we think this is the best grape in the whole vineyard!
Imagine getting a to-go box from the French Laundry - or some of that Ad Hoc fried chicken from their “addendum” take out window. That’s what you got here - some extras from Mondavi’s much esteemed Reserve Cabernet program found their way into this bottle, sourced from three blocks within To Kalon vineyard. That’s right - wine from one of the world’s greatest vineyards, breeding ground for all kinds of $100-200+ bottles, for $39.
This marks only the 2nd vintage of this RARE release that combines 100% Cabernets – 95% Franc with 5% Sauvignon. Minuscule production, seldom seen out in the wild. Antonio Galloni introduced the inaugural vintage as “a new wine in this range from three blocks within To Kalon: V, Monastery North and Monastery South. Aromatic, sensual and super-expressive… compelling, promising wine that shows terrific energy and plenty of persistence”.
Wine Enthusiast echoed “a heady, memorable experience in this varietal wine, a standout from the producer.” It’s brimming with personality and deep and dark flavor from the moment you pop it open - expressive violets, black cherries, blueberry, and sexy sweet oak. A VERY FINE wine, for sure.
No other site coast to coast can claim fame for as long as To Kalon, a breeding ground for legendary wines. And if Mondavi did not spearhead California’s quality wine revolution back in ‘66, we would not be where we are today. His name remains a guiding light, a reference point, an icon of consistency.
We offered this last year and it sold out FAST. And this time, we got you an even BIGGER discount. Claim your share of glory at an unbelievable price…while it lasts.
Ok, time to chill the Champagne and set off some snakes.
92 Points – James Suckling
“Lots of ripe fruit with a lovely core of plums and berries and some fresh herbs. It’s full-bodied and layered. Delicious finish. Drink now or hold.”
What the Winery Says
2017 To Kalon Vineyard Oakville Cabernet Franc
- Winemaker
- Geneviève Janssens
- Varietals
- 95% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Vintage
- 2017
- Appellation
- Oakville, Napa Valley
- Alcohol
- 14.7%
- Total acidity
- 6.6 g/L
- pH
- 3.78
- Residual sugar
- 0.32 g/L
- Harvest dates
- September 19-30, 2017
- Aging
- 15 months
- Barrels
- 100% new French oak