2007 MX Wines Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon

MX Wines are made by Margaux Singleton, who is also the owner of the legendary Enoteca Wine Shop in Calistoga. Using grapes sourced from premier California vineyards, Singleton makes very small quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, which generally sell out immediately. The tagline for her MX Wines label is “one girl and some grapes.” These are artisanal wines in every way.

To- Kalon is one of the most famous vineyards in Napa Valley, often called the first “grand cru” California vineyard. It has always inspired those who live near it. Native Americans called the area around it tu-la-halusi – meaning “beautiful land.” And later residents called it To-Kalon, Greek for “the most beautiful.” Originally planted by Hamilton Crabb in 1968, it today is owned by Andy Beckstoffer, the Robert Mondavi Winery and Opus One. Beckstoffer owns the lion’s share, with an 89-acre vineyard planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Beckstoffer sell To-Kalon grapes to such acclaimed producers as Schrader, Paul Hobbs, Tor Kenward, Realm, Alpha Omega and the Morlet Family. Beckstoffer Vineyards, a vineyard management business, owns and farms more than 3,600 acres of highly prestigious grape growing acreage in Napa Valley, Mendocino County and the Red Hills of Lake County. A senior executive with Heublein in the 1960s, Andy Beckstoffer is credited with steering Napa Valley vintners towards improving farming and the quality of the grapes used for wine.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.