2005 Karl Lawrence Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5ltr

Karl Lawrence was founded in 1991 when Michael Karl Trujillo and Bryan Lawrence Henry combined their middle names to come up with a name for their wine venture. Ric Henry was also an owner. Trujillo grew up in Colorado and has had a long and successful career in winemaking in Napa Valley, where he started with Sequoia Grove in 1982 and is now company president. Through the 1990s Karl Lawrence sourced most of its grapes from Gary Morisoli’s Rutherford vineyard, and a small amount from a part of the Herb Lamb Vineyard that is outside of the Howell Mountain AVA. Starting in 2000 Karl Lawrence sourced grapes from Beckstoffer’s To Kalon and Dr. Crane vineyards. Karl Lawrence made premium Cabernet Sauvignon in small quantities and earned acclaim from wine writers. Karl Lawrence ended production with the 2010 vintage after its owners decided to pursue other business interests.

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.