Greetings my casemate friends! I’m delighted to be here this fine, Thursday eve, wearing my rodent hat along with my black bowtie… Earlier this week, jolly ol’ Saint WineDavid dropped a bottle of 2013 Provenance Beckstoffer To-Kalon Cabernet down my chimney with care and I opened it this eve and am quickly reporting as promised. Spoiler: This bottle was not what I expected. (And before I go any further… To-Kalon!!! I don’t recall ever seeing To-Kalon on that other website, which will remain nameless but whose name rhymes with finetoot)…
This wine starts with a really intriguing, fragrant nose- poised, red fruit and a wintery, herbal spice. Upon tasting, it really threw me. This is NOT a ripe, California fruit bomb Cab. Don’t get me wrong- it’s got good, ample fruit; but- it also has structure. And there’s an elegance to it. A finesse. An old-world savory-ness. Despite the 15.3, it’s balanced- no heat. Tannins still present, though restrained, and a finish that keeps going.
I didn’t have it with food, as the dinner table at CasaDeNeil was adorned with yet another version of leftover turkey (almost gone). Alas, I enjoyed it on its own, but it really was not what I expected from a big, fancy, esteemed Napa vineyard with lots of big scores. Much more old-world, much more nuanced and balanced.
In a rare instance of discipline, in the name of science and analytics, I put the cork back in with half a bottle to go, and will revisit and report back tomorrow, by lunchtime… Thank you as always, for the opportunity to serve…
@rjquillin Hmm… maybe; I didn’t think to throw it in the fridge or throw a cold sleeve on it. My co-workers have polished off the bottle since lunch. Nothing is safe round here.
@klezman@rjquillin
Yeah Ron I will take 2 to see what Provenance can do with these grapes, I do buy MacDonald every year and Mondavi’s version so I’m curious. And with what Constellation is doing with that great vineyard is truly sad news
@klezman@rjquillin
Mondavi owned it, it’s a long story that you can look up on the interwebs. Here is a letter I received during the last Macdonald release.
@klezman@rjquillin
Well that didn’t work? basically Mondavi owned most of the vineyard, the Deterts and Macdonald family’s historically owned two small plots and have been working for years to get “To Kalon” listed as a place not a brand name, they finally got Mondavi to agree then Constellation bought it/Mondavi? as the letter says the Macdonalds met with the Constellation lawyers and they offered them the rights to use the To Kalon name on their label which would have broad implications for their small vineyard if they would agree that it is a brand not a place. They responded “our integrity is not for sale”
Constellation want’s it to be a brand name so they can use the name on any of their crappy wines.
@sammypedram LOL. I did drink a Clos Martinet Priorat wine on Thanksgiving at a restaurant that was above this range, but I still think it’s better not to be tempted!!!
Provenance Vineyards Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
2 bottles for $199.99 $100/bottle + $4/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $999.99 $83.33/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2013 Provenance Vineyards Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - $200 = 16.66%
Provenance Vineyards Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes
With intense, ripe flavors and powerful structure, the 2013 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon dazzles with the personality of this famous vineyard. The wine’s luxuriously rich crème de cassis, blackberry and black cherry character unfolds with nuances of rum raisin, forest loam, coffee bean and bay laurel. Pecan and oak spice notes from new French oak barrels meld with the Cabernet Sauvignon expression, from the generous aromas through the broad, dark-fruit finish. Its muscular tannins enhance the textured palate and make it age-worthy, while bright, mouthwatering acidity balances the sun-ripened flavors. This limited bottling exemplifies perfectly balanced power and elegance as it captures its sense of place—To Kalon Vineyard. Only 780 cases produced.
Vintage and Winemaker Notes
Vintage
The 2013 vintage, our second drought year in Napa Valley, surpassed even the highly touted 2012 vintage in grape quality. A winter with very low rainfall was followed by a warm, dry spring and summer with plentiful sunshine. These factors resulted in balanced vine canopies, good fruit set and small, concentrated grapes.
Perfect weather throughout harvest fostered intense, beautifully balanced and expressive wines.
Winemaking
We hand sorted the grapes first in the vineyard, as we picked them at dawn, and then again at the winery for optimum quality. We cold soaked the must for gentle extraction and fermented it in stainless steel tanks. Following extended maceration and pressing, the wine completed malolactic fermentation in barrels to round the
acidity. During barrel aging, caramel and oak spice nuances married with the opulent, dark-fruit expression. Bottled without fining.
Vineyard
To Kalon Vineyard was first planted in 1868 by viticulture pioneer Hamilton W. Crabb. The vineyard’s angle of sun exposure, its mesoclimate and its deep, alluvial-fan soils foster grapes with complex avors and exquisite balance. Located in the Oakville American Viticultural Area (AVA), it is one of California’s ¬nest sites for Cabernet Sauvignon. Our grapes come from the Beckstoffer Vineyard, a section of To Kalon that is trained to bilateral cordon with vertical shoot positioning. Clusters are positioned for optimum sun exposure to develop fully ripe, lush flavors, which then turn into a myriad of complex fruit, spice, and floral notes during winemaking.
Specifications
Vintage: 2013
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: 100% To Kalon Vineyard, Oakville AVA, Napa Valley
Barrel Regime: Aged 22 months in French oak barrels (80% new oak)
Alcohol: 15.3%
Total Acidity: 5.6 1g/L
pH: 3.70
Included in the Box
Case
12x 2013 Provenance Vineyards Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
2-Bottles
2x 2013 Provenance Vineyards Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Provenance Vineyards is a leader in the renaissance of Rutherford, Napa Valley winemaking, known for crafting small-lot Bordeaux varietal wines from the unique personalities of Napa Valley’s most renown vineyards. Being a “Bordeaux House”, our wines are made from the traditional grape varieties originating from Bordeaux, France, which include; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc. Most of our wines are sourced from our Estate Vineyards in the heart of the Napa Valley in Rutherford.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, ME, MD, MA, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VT, WA, WV, WI
Wondering if anyone has tried any of these yet/recently? I’m looking for something nice to open tomorrow but I don’t want to jump the gun (I only bought the 2-pack). Anyone?? Bueller??
Greetings my casemate friends! I’m delighted to be here this fine, Thursday eve, wearing my rodent hat along with my black bowtie… Earlier this week, jolly ol’ Saint WineDavid dropped a bottle of 2013 Provenance Beckstoffer To-Kalon Cabernet down my chimney with care and I opened it this eve and am quickly reporting as promised. Spoiler: This bottle was not what I expected. (And before I go any further… To-Kalon!!! I don’t recall ever seeing To-Kalon on that other website, which will remain nameless but whose name rhymes with finetoot)…
This wine starts with a really intriguing, fragrant nose- poised, red fruit and a wintery, herbal spice. Upon tasting, it really threw me. This is NOT a ripe, California fruit bomb Cab. Don’t get me wrong- it’s got good, ample fruit; but- it also has structure. And there’s an elegance to it. A finesse. An old-world savory-ness. Despite the 15.3, it’s balanced- no heat. Tannins still present, though restrained, and a finish that keeps going.
I didn’t have it with food, as the dinner table at CasaDeNeil was adorned with yet another version of leftover turkey (almost gone). Alas, I enjoyed it on its own, but it really was not what I expected from a big, fancy, esteemed Napa vineyard with lots of big scores. Much more old-world, much more nuanced and balanced.
In a rare instance of discipline, in the name of science and analytics, I put the cork back in with half a bottle to go, and will revisit and report back tomorrow, by lunchtime… Thank you as always, for the opportunity to serve…
@neilfindswine thanks Neil! I guess I might snag a bottle or two from Ron’s case given this report. Damn.
Well, crap. I was already deeply tempted, but that lab rat report just did me in. Two bottles on their way. Ouch.
@Shrdlu
slacker
DAY TWO:
As promised, I’m reporting back; I left this on my desk with the cork in it and poured a glass before lunch (the last of the turkey).
The nose has opened up some- more red fruit; and the herbal quality has graduated to a olivey-pesto-y quality.
Tannins have resolved and left me with a lot more fruit; though I also am getting a little bit of that alcohol that the label promised.
Verdict: I liked it more on day 1. The poise and elegance it displayed upon opening were wonderful; it’s lost some of that today.
I’d also add that a nice piece of meat (not turkey) would be a welcome addition to the equation. Perhaps a holiday roast???
@neilfindswine
Neil, so this was warmer today than yesterday.
You think the Ethanol may just calm down a bit if it were a bit chilled?
@rjquillin Hmm… maybe; I didn’t think to throw it in the fridge or throw a cold sleeve on it. My co-workers have polished off the bottle since lunch. Nothing is safe round here.
@neilfindswine @rjquillin Humble opinion…ethanol rarely calms down
@kaolis @neilfindswine @rjquillin
ethanol has a half life
@neilfindswine @rjquillin @ScottW58 hangover half life maybe… ha!!
Yowza!
@karenhynes You can say that again!
@karenhynes @kawichris650
/giphy yowza yowza yowza
Hmmm… where’s that labrat email from Ariana? I know it must be here somewhere!!!
@kawichris650 That would be some lucky rattage!!
Save your money, only 96 points from Suckling…
fwiw
@kaolis lol
@kaolis true! Get this crap outta here!
Whew, no OH!!! Wallet can cool down a little!!
@Boatman72 My thoughts exactly!!!
/giphy spiced-amazing-trail
UPS better not screw this one up.
@rjquillin Ok, but that gif really does work for this offer
@rjquillin wow, just going in blind, are you? Impressive!
@klezman @rjquillin badass!
@klezman @Winedavid49
I truly hope this is a sell-out,
and not because you only got 10 cases.
@klezman @Winedavid49
Given the purchased contents, that extra ‘gift’ better be pretty badass as well.
/giphy badass-case-bottles
@klezman @rjquillin i’ll have to decant that thought and get back to you.
@rjquillin @Winedavid49 Nice
You also never did respond as to the variety of gifts in the various gift week(ish) boxes.
@klezman @rjquillin @Winedavid49
Yeah, what’s the gift with this one? Ah So? Gold watch? New car?
Well damn. This was most definitely my most expensive purchase on casemates. Hope Tucks grapes are worth it.
Denver folk - case coming this way. More than happy to share…just wanted to lock in the case pricing…hit me up if interested! COBrent
@CObrent Brent, I’ll take two, glad to see you have $1k lying around.
@bolligra $1k - isn’t that what credit cards are for?
Sounds good - will be in contact in a couple weeks when they arrive.
@CObrent I may be in for one
@CObrent I’m trying to talk the wife into it…
Shoot me a message when it arrives!
@CObrent
/giphy MVP
@CObrent @knlprez It’s always easier to ask for forgiveness than permission… especially after a glass or two of great wine!
@CObrent @hscottk
Unfortunately I’ve asked for forgiveness too many times this year with wine!
No shipping to MICHIGAN…used to be!! Oh well, your loss!!
Wow.
From the clue I thought Beckstoffer but didn’t think that was possible!
The 2010 is on the Treasury sale page for $87.50, for those who might be interested.
@klezman So are the '10 and '12. Delivering tomorrow.
Per Scottw58; fewer bottles, same $$
@rjquillin wow, you went in on those too during black Friday? Or was this also tonight?
@klezman BF
@klezman @rjquillin
Yeah Ron I will take 2 to see what Provenance can do with these grapes, I do buy MacDonald every year and Mondavi’s version so I’m curious. And with what Constellation is doing with that great vineyard is truly sad news
@rjquillin @ScottW58 what’s constellation doing with it? Did Andy sell it?
@klezman @ScottW58 also done.
@klezman @rjquillin
Mondavi owned it, it’s a long story that you can look up on the interwebs. Here is a letter I received during the last Macdonald release.
@klezman @rjquillin
Well that didn’t work? basically Mondavi owned most of the vineyard, the Deterts and Macdonald family’s historically owned two small plots and have been working for years to get “To Kalon” listed as a place not a brand name, they finally got Mondavi to agree then Constellation bought it/Mondavi? as the letter says the Macdonalds met with the Constellation lawyers and they offered them the rights to use the To Kalon name on their label which would have broad implications for their small vineyard if they would agree that it is a brand not a place. They responded “our integrity is not for sale”
Constellation want’s it to be a brand name so they can use the name on any of their crappy wines.
@rjquillin @ScottW58 oh right. I remember seeing this on Berserkers.
Wow - way to break me out of my hiatus!
/giphy grateful-toasted-snowangel
Just had to buy a new car. My light wallet is pretty glad you don’t ship to me.
I see they don’t ship to MI…I would have pulled that expensive trigger, but am glad I don’t have to make that decision. oh well
@kasandrae yikes! good thing
Happy VA isn’t in the list, so while tempting I can save some money for other offerings!
/giphy money-saved
@vaaccess What part of VA are you in? I’m Hampton Roads but can make it up to the DC area if you ever want to split a case or something.
@vaaccess I was thinking the same thing! Hahahaha. Hope you are well!
@sammypedram LOL. I did drink a Clos Martinet Priorat wine on Thanksgiving at a restaurant that was above this range, but I still think it’s better not to be tempted!!!
@erisire I’m in the RIC area. So. Not even that far.
@vaaccess Fantastic. Always up for a wine nerd meetup.
how about some wines other than the west coast of the US.
/giphy droll-crisp-sleigh
Wife will kill me even for 2 bottles but I couldn’t resist!
@GatorFL If you’re dead she gets it.
Got my 2 bottles today, along with a very fancy Casemates decanter! Thanks Guys!
Provenance Vineyards Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
2 bottles for $199.99 $100/bottle + $4/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $999.99 $83.33/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2013 Provenance Cabernet Sauvignon
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2013 Provenance Vineyards Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - $200 = 16.66%
Woof!
Well, I sure can’t afford 12, by myself,
and 83 is better than 100.
Who want’s some?
SoCal
@rjquillin given Neil’s report, I can take a pair.
@klezman done
@klezman @rjquillin I’d be in for two if you’re willing. I’m in Los angeles area.
@rjquillin I can take one.
@klezman Laying one down for kiddo #2?
@rjquillin if it isn’t too late, i’d jump in for two
@i8dacat Sigh, I think the extras are fully allocated at this point, unless I get a second!
@i8dacat @Scottrob30
Let’s see if there’s enough additional SoCal/LA interest to add a second. The first one is is all empty.
@i8dacat @Scottrob30
Bottles available.
How many each?
@rjquillin @Scottrob30 two for me! Woot
@Scottrob30
Still want two?
@rjquillin Yes sir- thank you. This will be my first split!
@rjquillin Hi Ron, I’ll pony up for 2, if you still have any
@rjquillin hi there , just want to check in on these?
@Scottrob30 You closer to San Diego area, or Los Angeles?
@rjquillin I’m in Santa Monica
@Scottrob30 @klezman
Your bottles are in the case delivered to klezman.
Much closer to you than me in SD.
I will have a case if anyone wants some. NH & MA.
Woooohaaa
/giphy starry-traditional-skates
The ten dollar coupon doesn’t put much of a dent in this one
@CruelMelody I’ve read several times about the recent coupon. Where is it? Did it come in an e-mail?
@bolligra I received a $5 coupon 11/26 to account for the change in delivery company. Check your email!
@bolligra @DJZachAttack follow them on Instagram
@DJZachAttack Thanks, got it!
Lord help me… my wife is going to kill me. In for 2.
/giphy shivering-green-frostbite
A case save 200!!
If anyone in DC or who can get to the NoVA area wants to buy a case I’m happy to take up to 6 bottles off of you.
@ersire in case you wanted to split.
@erisire, even.
@opiate2002 They don’t ship to VA.
Provenance Vineyards Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes
With intense, ripe flavors and powerful structure, the 2013 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon dazzles with the personality of this famous vineyard. The wine’s luxuriously rich crème de cassis, blackberry and black cherry character unfolds with nuances of rum raisin, forest loam, coffee bean and bay laurel. Pecan and oak spice notes from new French oak barrels meld with the Cabernet Sauvignon expression, from the generous aromas through the broad, dark-fruit finish. Its muscular tannins enhance the textured palate and make it age-worthy, while bright, mouthwatering acidity balances the sun-ripened flavors. This limited bottling exemplifies perfectly balanced power and elegance as it captures its sense of place—To Kalon Vineyard. Only 780 cases produced.
Vintage and Winemaker Notes
Vintage
The 2013 vintage, our second drought year in Napa Valley, surpassed even the highly touted 2012 vintage in grape quality. A winter with very low rainfall was followed by a warm, dry spring and summer with plentiful sunshine. These factors resulted in balanced vine canopies, good fruit set and small, concentrated grapes.
Perfect weather throughout harvest fostered intense, beautifully balanced and expressive wines.
Winemaking
We hand sorted the grapes first in the vineyard, as we picked them at dawn, and then again at the winery for optimum quality. We cold soaked the must for gentle extraction and fermented it in stainless steel tanks. Following extended maceration and pressing, the wine completed malolactic fermentation in barrels to round the
acidity. During barrel aging, caramel and oak spice nuances married with the opulent, dark-fruit expression. Bottled without fining.
Vineyard
To Kalon Vineyard was first planted in 1868 by viticulture pioneer Hamilton W. Crabb. The vineyard’s angle of sun exposure, its mesoclimate and its deep, alluvial-fan soils foster grapes with complex avors and exquisite balance. Located in the Oakville American Viticultural Area (AVA), it is one of California’s ¬nest sites for Cabernet Sauvignon. Our grapes come from the Beckstoffer Vineyard, a section of To Kalon that is trained to bilateral cordon with vertical shoot positioning. Clusters are positioned for optimum sun exposure to develop fully ripe, lush flavors, which then turn into a myriad of complex fruit, spice, and floral notes during winemaking.
Specifications
Included in the Box
Case
2-Bottles
Price Comparison
$2,145.00/case at Provenance Vineyards (including shipping)
About The Winery
Winery: Provenance Vineyards
Location: Napa Valley, CA
Provenance Vineyards is a leader in the renaissance of Rutherford, Napa Valley winemaking, known for crafting small-lot Bordeaux varietal wines from the unique personalities of Napa Valley’s most renown vineyards. Being a “Bordeaux House”, our wines are made from the traditional grape varieties originating from Bordeaux, France, which include; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc. Most of our wines are sourced from our Estate Vineyards in the heart of the Napa Valley in Rutherford.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, ME, MD, MA, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VT, WA, WV, WI
Estimated Delivery
Monday, January 6th - Thursday, January 9th
Wondering if anyone has tried any of these yet/recently? I’m looking for something nice to open tomorrow but I don’t want to jump the gun (I only bought the 2-pack). Anyone?? Bueller??
@karenhynes About 6 years too early for me to consider opening one. Unless I end up with extra when Casemateers don’t pick theirs up…
@klezman
yeah…but I’m not getting any younger over here!
Maybe I’ll open an '04 or '05 Kronos. Yes??
@karenhynes @klezman
I would say YES!
@karenhynes @klezman and where is Mr. Jan?
@klezman @rjquillin
Funny you should ask…we just had a lovely dinner this evening.
@karenhynes Hawaii in the 48?
@karenhynes @rjquillin Ukulele virtuosi of 2022?
@InFrom @rjquillin
Not sure if the calendar has a theme, other than suntanned jailbait. We’ll have to wait a few weeks to find out!