2017 To Kalon Vineyard Co. "Highest Beauty" Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

Features warmed loam, hot stone and smoldering tobacco aspects, with a lush and deeply layered core of plum sauce and blackberry preserve flavors, steadily expanding as it airs in the glass. A big wine, beautifully rendered and very grounded. Best from 2022 through 2040. 500 cases made. (JM)

Coming from the talented Andy Erickson and a tiny production cuvée based all on To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Highest Beauty sports a dense purple hue as well as a gorgeous nose of crème de cassis, lead pencil, Asian spices, flowery incense, and sandalwood. As with many 2017s (as well as wines from Erickson), it has a slightly Bordeaux style in its texture and tannins and is medium to full-bodied, with terrific purity of fruit, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. This beautiful, elegant wine can be drunk any time over the coming two decades or more.