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2017 Alejandro Bulgheroni Lithology Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Lightly depressed cork

Removed from a temperature and humidity controlled wine storage unit; Purchased direct from winery

Lightly depressed cork; light label condition issue

Removed from a temperature and humidity controlled wine storage unit; Purchased direct from winery

Ends Sunday, 7pm Pacific

RATINGS

97Jeb Dunnuck

More dark currants, chocolate, gravelly earth, and tobacco notes emerge from the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Lithology Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard. It's deep, full-bodied, balanced, and just a stunning wine in every sense.

96The Wine Advocate

...underlying cassis, tar, star anise, black pepper and fertile loam scents and a waft of exotic spices. Full-bodied, rich and with impressive concentration, it has a firm frame of very fine, ripe, wonderfully grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and spicy.

96James Suckling

This is fantastic, offering blueberries and blackberries, a beautiful mid-palate and refined, fine tannins. Medium to full body. Fresh and clean finish. Hints of tile and earth. Really excellent.

95+ Vinous / IWC

...inky, rich and sumptuous from the very first taste. Blackberry, lavender, crème de cassis, tobacco and new leather start to open up with a bit of time...

94Wine Spectator

Ripe and lush, featuring waves of crushed raspberry, blackberry and black currant fruit, infused gently with hints of menthol, warm loam and sweet tobacco. Everything knits wonderfully through the richly detailed finish, showing the underlying energy to stay balanced.

PRODUCER

Alejandro Bulgheroni

Alejandro Bulgheroni Estate is a new Napa Valley enterprise for Alejandro Bulgheroni, an Argentinian-Italian vintner and entrepreneur who owns wine estates in Argentina, Uruguay, Italy, France and Australia. This new estate is focused on producing small-batch, handcrafted Cabernet Sauvignon from prestigious Napa Valley terroir. The estate’s debut release was a 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon. Bulgheroni has assembled a winemaking dream team, starting with acclaimed winemaker Philippe Melka and consultant Michel Rolland. Veteran viticulturist Jim Barbour is vineyard operations manager. The 14-acre parcel that makes up the new estate has been through many transformations since the mid-19th century when it was part of an historic ranch. It was later part of Charles Krug Winery. Alejandro Bulgheroni makes Cabernet Sauvignon that is generally available only through the mailing list.

REGION

United States, California, Napa Valley, Oakville, To Kalon Vineyard

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.

TYPE

Red Wine, Cabernet Sauvignon

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.