Cliff Lede's 2017 To Kalon has put on considerable weight over the past two years: blind, I wouldn't immediately recognize it as the same wine. A core of inner sweetness has revealed itself and overshadowed some of the subtler menthol notes. If that's your jam, drink now with a 2+ hour decant. Personally, I'd like to see where this ends up in another five years; I'd recommend drinking within 10.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
The nose lets you know this is To Kalon fruit. Earthy notes on the palate as well. Lush mouthfeel gives way to a long dry finish. Tannins are noticeable, but not unpleasant and there is a good acidity to give balance. This will age nicely.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Cliff Lede Winery Tasting: Even in an off-vintage, it's worth seeking out this $185 best-possible value from To Kalon (literally: that is the contractual minimum Andy Beckstoffer will allow winemakers to sell for). The '17 has the inkiness, the red/black fruit primaries, and the leather/spice notes that are typical of the site with very slight hints of menthol/alcohol on the back end. The acids are well-balanced. This wine could age a while, but it doesn't need to: it's thinner overall than most of the '12-'16 To Kalons--lending it a more regal, nuanced profile--and it will probably be ready to drink by the December 2022 holidays with a good decant.
5 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
12/9/2022 - ddemas wrote: 94 Points
In 5 yrs this wine will be extraordinary
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/4/2022 - rkww Likes this wine: 93 Points
Cliff Lede's 2017 To Kalon has put on considerable weight over the past two years: blind, I wouldn't immediately recognize it as the same wine. A core of inner sweetness has revealed itself and overshadowed some of the subtler menthol notes. If that's your jam, drink now with a 2+ hour decant. Personally, I'd like to see where this ends up in another five years; I'd recommend drinking within 10.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/17/2022 - jpwines Likes this wine: 97 Points
I can'r imagine how good this wine will be in another 10 years--it's great now
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/4/2021 - Bobcat 31 Likes this wine: 93 Points
smooth opening low tannin. Nice change of pace by not being a bold fruit-forward Napa cab.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/15/2021 - Bobcat 31 Likes this wine: 92 Points
enjoyed it needed an hour to decant and open. Well done.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/23/2021 - boozebythecreek Likes this wine:
The nose lets you know this is To Kalon fruit. Earthy notes on the palate as well. Lush mouthfeel gives way to a long dry finish. Tannins are noticeable, but not unpleasant and there is a good acidity to give balance. This will age nicely.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/3/2021 - rkww Likes this wine: 94 Points
Cliff Lede Winery Tasting: Even in an off-vintage, it's worth seeking out this $185 best-possible value from To Kalon (literally: that is the contractual minimum Andy Beckstoffer will allow winemakers to sell for). The '17 has the inkiness, the red/black fruit primaries, and the leather/spice notes that are typical of the site with very slight hints of menthol/alcohol on the back end. The acids are well-balanced. This wine could age a while, but it doesn't need to: it's thinner overall than most of the '12-'16 To Kalons--lending it a more regal, nuanced profile--and it will probably be ready to drink by the December 2022 holidays with a good decant.
5 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
5/7/2020 - Marietta Walsh wrote: 91 Points
Not ready yet.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment