Schrader CCS Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Napa 2004

Schrader CCS Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Napa 2004

Schrader Cellars is a cult Napa Valley winery founded by former antique dealer Fred Schrader. Its focus is on premium Cabernet Sauvignon from single parcels and single vineyards the most famous of which is the Old Sparky label, produced from the renowned Beckstoffer To Kalon vineyard.

Schrader entered the wine industry in 1992, founding Colgin Schrader Cellars with his then-wife Ann Colgin (who would go on to found Colgin Cellars). In 1998, he left to start his own label, bringing on board winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown and grape grower W. Andrew Beckstoffer.

Schrader makes a range of wines from Napa, most of which are made from Cabernet Sauvignon. The most significant vineyard associated with the label is the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, which provides an excellent growing environment for Cabernet Sauvignon: high mineral content and superb drainage in the soil, lots of sun exposure, and a coastal breeze for cool nights.

In 2008, Schrader Cellars became the first winery to receive 100-point reviews from US critic Robert Parker for the same wine across four consecutive vintages, a recognition that it received for two labels, both the Schrader CCS (from the initials of Carol Colesworthy Schrader, Schrader’s partner) and the Old Sparky.

Critical Acclaim

94 Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon CCS, fashioned from clones 4 and 337, included for the first time some fruit from the Las Piedres vineyard as well as from the Beckstoffer To-Kalon vineyard. It was aged 20 months in 100% Darnajou barrels and finished at the same alcohol level of 14.5 %. With a dense, purple color that is opaque to the rim, it offers up notes of incense, camphor, toast, black currants and blackberry. This deep, opulent fleshy and forward style of wine seems to have hit full maturity relatively early and has sensational texture, purity and a finish of close to 50 seconds. This is a spectacular wine that should drink well for 15-20 more years.