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.
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From the most recognized Napa Valley red blend comes a distinct, new wine. Made in the same iconic style as The Prisoner Red Blend, we proudly introduce The Prisoner Cabernet Sauvignon. Redefining taste once again.
On the nose, blackberry, currant, and plum are layered with dried, crushed herbs and licorice. On the palate, cedar, vanilla, nutmeg, and toasted coconut lead as plum and dried blackberries culminate in a lush, full mouthfeel and a lengthy, balanced finish.
Chef Brett recommends pairing The Prisoner Cabernet with Grilled Ribeye or Aged Gouda Cheese.
Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle No. 26 is a blend of 58% Chardonnay, 42% Pinot Noir
white gold in color with delicate and persistent bubbles, Grand Siecle No. 26 offers a very complex nose which mixes honeysuckle, lemon, clementine and fresh butter aromas, followed by notes of hazelnut and a touch of honey. The feel in the mouth is very delicate and fresh with candied lemon and fresh hazelnut aromas. The palate is silky and mineral with notes of honeysuckle, flaked almonds and clementine.
It pairs with high quality produce and refined dishes, including shellfish, noble fish and white meats such as Thai style langoustine tartare and fine roasted poultry.
Vintage in Champagne is usually synonymous with excellence for Prestige Cuvées. Contrarily, Laurent‑Perrier believes that only the art of assemblage can offer what nature can never provide, that is, the perfect year.
The expression of the perfect year is that of a great champagne wine that has long ageing potential and over time develops depth, intensity and aromatic complexity yet retains its freshness and vibrancy.
Since 1959, Grand Siècle has been revealed only 26 times in bottle format and 23 times in magnum.
The « Grand Siècle » (Great Century) is the name given to one of the most prosperous periods (17th century) in the history of France known for the capacity of man, through his works, to create what nature cannot. Louis XIVth, known as the « Sun King », by creating the « Château de Versailles » and its gardens, was the architect of this model of harmony, balance and perfection.
The symmetry and perspective of the « Jardins à la française », the capacity to grow Mediterranean fruits (especially Oranges inside the « Orangerie ») in such a Northern climate, creating the Grand Canal, the fountains and ponds with no nearby rivers are many illustrations of this ability of man to sublimate natural elements. The name of Grand Siècle was chosen for Laurent‑Perrier’s Prestige Cuvée based on this common vision to reach a perfection that Nature, on its own, cannot provide.
Review:
This is really something. Electric on the palate. The aromas are so complex with sliced fresh and dried ginger, subtle pie crust, tarte tatin and hints of nutmeg with some salted caramel. Toasted bread, too. Always subtle. The palate is full- to medium-bodied yet hemmed-in with a freshness and balance that draws you back. Savory and vibrant. It's full of energy. Spectacular. Fascinating. Symphonic blend of 2012, 2008 and 2007. 65% of the 2012, 25% of the 2008 and 10% of the 2007. Eight grand cru. Chardonnay 58% and 42% pinot noir. Disgorged February 2023. 10 years on the lees. 7g/L dosage.
-James Suckling 100 Points