Deep in the heart of Napa Valley, H.W. Crabb planted a vast empire of vines in the 1860s. Eventually it grew thick with grapes, orange trees, and Italian chestnuts. So rich was it with life and bounty that Crabb nobly bestowed upon the wine produced from the vineyard the Greek name To Kalon, or Highest Beauty. Today, To Kalon Vineyard Company is dedicated to crafting unique expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon from this storied place.
Sited between the sheltering Vaca and Mayacamas mountain ranges in Napa Valley, To Kalon Vineyard’s well-drained, gravelly soil allows the vines to root deeply finding precious moisture and nutrients. The broad diurnal temperature shifts and reliable sun, wind, and fog, provide and ideal blend of growth and rest for complex flavor development.
Today, To Kalon Vineyard Company is dedicated to crafting unique expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon from this storied place.
ANDY ERICKSON, WINEMAKER Although he’s originally from the Midwest, a summer in France convinced Andy Erickson that his calling was wine. Beginning his journey in Napa Valley and Sonoma, he soon moved to Mendoza in Argentina. Returning to Napa, he honed his craft, working under a number of renowned winemakers, including Paul Hobbs, John Kongsgaard, and Michel Rolland. After earning a master’s degree in enology, Andy worked as a winemaker at Harlan Estate and Staglin Family Vineyards, eventually establishing a consulting firm with his wife, viticulturalist Annie Favia, where he made such highly coveted wines as Screaming Eagle. Andy and Annie have recently established their own winery, Leviathan. Nearly 30 years ago, Andy got his first taste of To Kalon Vineyard, as a student working in lots belonging to UC Davis. He’s been obsessed since.
No products found
Argot Simpatico Ranch Chardonnay is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
Powerful aromas of key-lime, white flowers, orange blossoms and a fierce, flinty, sauvage note define a wildly complex nose. Once in the mouth, gracefully pronounced textures coat the palate delivering an exotic interpretation of cool-climate Chardonnay character — lime peel, orange blossom, ginger and clove —lingerings deep into a vibrant finish.
Planted 1978. Shallow volcanic soils on the gently-sloped, south-facing foothills of Bennett Peak on Bennett Valley’s floor. One of California’s coolest Chardonnay vineyards. In the final year of 3-year draught cycle, Simpatico Ranch saw its earliest ever harvest and smallest crop, exposing a reserve of exoticism and minerality previously untapped. A watershed vintage for both the vineyard, and appellation. Night harvested by hand on 9/16, whole-cluster pressed direct to barrel; no settling to ensure maximum lees contact. Barrel fermented on heavy lees. Malolactic fermentation. 16 months in French oak, 50% new. Finished 2 months in steel tank, low Sulphur during barrel elevage.
Review:
The 2021 Chardonnay Simpatico Ranch needs a lot of swirling before it shoots from the glass with notes of lemon tart, orange blossoms, candied ginger, and fresh nectarines with hints of crushed rocks, struck flint, and nutmeg. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers amazing tension, with tight-knit citrus and spice layers and a fantastically well woven satiny texture, finishing long and layered. "We only get about 1.5 tons per acre here," said owner/winemaker Justin Harmon. "This comes from old vines on AXR rootstock."
-Wine Independent 97 Points
In the far northwest corner of the Sonoma Coast appellation, near the town of Annapolis, the vineyard sits just five miles from the Pacific Ocean, and provides a poignant setting for producing pinot noir with elegance, great precision, and intensity.
Review:
The 2021 Pinot Noir Goldrock Estate is deep, rich and explosive. Dark red cherry, pomegranate, blood orange, menthol, spice and rose petals are all amplified in this dramatic Sonoma Coast Pinot. The complexity and intensity here are simply unreal. Give this time, there's a lot of wine in the glass.
-Vinous 96 Points