2022 Schrader 'Monastery Block To Kalon Vineyard' Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville
A powerhouse from To Kalon’s revered Monastery Block, this Cabernet Sauvignon is profoundly rich and deeply structured. Layers of black cherry, blueberry, and cassis burst from the glass, interwoven with graphite, violets, and sweet saddle leather. Silky yet commanding, the palate is saturated with monumental fruit, fine-grained tannins, and a seamless balance that lingers endlessly. A true force of nature.
“In top vintages, Schrader’s Beckstoffer Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines can be as good as money can buy ... anywhere in the world.” – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate It’s hard to point to a winemaker in the Napa Valley on a more consistent winning streak than Thomas Rivers Brown. The wines he makes for Schrader, Maybach, Double Diamond, Kinsella, and Jones Family do not share a monolithic sameness, but rather individuality. Because Brown makes wine naturally - with no spinning cones, additives, or hocus pocus - the only thing the wines have in common is their greatness, and the monster critical acclaim that has followed. Which brings us to Schrader. Simply put, these are some of the most consistent and critically acclaimed wines being made in the valley right now. They are truly rare and great, made from historic Grand Cru sites in St. Helena, Rutherford, and Oakville.
Decanter
Dusty mineral notes and dried violets complement the black cherry fruit, enriched by layers of loamy earth. The tannins are soaring, supporting a full-bodied richness highlighted by abundant black cherry and lavish cola spices. Crunchy red fruit emerges on the lengthy finish, adding a fresh, vibrant element. The wine is rich, inviting, and beautifully balanced despite its 15.3% ABV, showcasing depth and elegance. The Monastery Blocks are located near the Carmelite Monastery at the southern end of the Mondavi To Kalon section. These blocks have historically provided the backbone for Mondavi Reserve Cabernet wines from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s—wines that remain vibrant and show beautifully in the glass decades later.