Perchance, Beckstoffer To Kalon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, 2022

Overview of the Wine
We arrived in Napa Valley for a 50th birthday celebration, with no intention of leaving as vintners. Little did we know that the ethos of Napa Valley would send us on an exciting new journey.

Having rented a house that was a bit off the beaten path, we scheduled an intimate tasting with our friends Mike and Leah Smith. We have been drinking Mike’s incredible Cabernets and watching his meteoric rise in the wine industry for nearly a decade, and that night, naturally, the wine and conversation began to flow effortlessly.

Winemaker
Mike Smith

Grape / Blend
100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Origin
Napa Valley, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The 2022 Perchance Estates Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from two incredible blocks in the Oakville appellation, both planted in 1996. The harmonious coalescence of these offerings produces a wine that exemplifies why To Kalon is the gold standard for Cabernet Sauvignon—not only in Napa Valley, but in the world. This wine checks all the boxes, showcasing abundant fruit, a hint of forest floor, a whisper of graphite and solid but fine tannins.

In the glass, it reveals a deep garnet hue, captivating the senses with aromas of dark plum, ripe raspberry, cassis, and blueberry preserves. This alluring bouquet is subtly enhanced by an earthy minerality reminiscent of wet stone, adding depth to the aromatic profile. On the palate, these flavors persist, united by a captivating medley of red, black, and blue fruit tones, accompanied by intriguing baking spices such as cinnamon, allspice, and cardamom. A well-rounded natural acidity gracefully spreads across the mid-palate, amplifying the impressive intensity that even exceeds the remarkable 2021 vintage.

The finish is where this wine truly shines, as a harmonious symphony of luscious fruit and impeccably balanced tannins culminate into a lasting finale that embodies the essence of its exceptional terroir. An exquisite balance of sheer power and innate grace unfolds, showcasing the captivating sensations that can only be summoned by the To Kalon vineyard, creating a hauntingly memorable impression.

Enjoy it upon release with a brief decant or choose to cellar it for up to three decades to unlock even more hidden nuances.

98 Points - Wine Advocate
Perchance's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon is a blend of two blocks of Clone 4 planted in 1996. Winemaker Mike Smith picked after the heat wave and after a subsequent rain event. "It was 27° Brix at the time, and the rain dropped it down a degree," he said. "The good thing about Clone 4 in a year like 2022 is that it always carries a bit more color and tannin." Mixed red and black cherries appear on the nose, joined by hints of dusty earth but few if any herbal qualities. It's full-bodied, rich and supple, easy to drink but not lacking for substance, with an elegant, lingering finish. Impressive stuff.

97 Points - Wine Independent
The 2022 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged for 22 months in French Oak. Deep garnet-purple colored, it swans out with showy notes of black raspberries, boysenberry preserves, and black currant jelly, giving way to nuances of bay leaves, pencil shavings, and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a lightly grainy texture and seamless freshness to frame the classic black berry flavors, finishing on a lingering peppery note. This is a blend of 2 blocks - C1 and A1.

95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
Sweet cassis, flowers, incense, and smoky tobacco notes all emerge from the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, a charming, round, layered, sexy 2022 that has velvety tannins, a round, layered, elegant mouthfeel, and a great finish. It's going to continue drinking beautifully for 10-15 years.

Product size: 750ml