2017 Judge Palmer "Beckstoffer To Kalon" Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA

ABOUT THIS WINE

The name To Kalon is whispered in hushed tones among lovers of Cabernet Sauvignon everywhere. There is something magical about the terroir at this valley floor site in Oakville that has produced world-class wines for generations of Napa Valley vintners. To Kalon sits on an alluvial fan deposited by ancient streams that flowed down from the Mayacamas mountains, establishing deep, gravelly, well-draining soils.

The first winter with big rains in half a decade allowed soils to store up plenty of water – this helped vine health during the scorching hot summer that brought over a dozen 100-degree days. We harvested our To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon on October 2nd - this turned out to be a stroke of good fortune, as the wine was safely crushed and in tank by the time that year's devastating wildfires struck a week later.

The grapes were destemmed into one open-top tank for a brief cold soak before fermentation began spontaneously with wild yeast. Fermentation continued without the addition of any chemicals or enzymes, aided only by the heat of the sun and daily punch-downs. After pressing the wine went into 100% new French oak barrels from Darnajou, Taransaud and Ermitage, where it aged for 24 months.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Emmitt-Scorsone Winegrowers is a partnership between winemakers Palmer Emmitt and Michael Scorsone. At our small artisan winery in northern Sonoma County, we bottle wines under several labels – Judge Palmer, Domenica Amato, and Emmitt-Scorsone. Across the portfolio, our grapes are sourced from small, family-owned vineyards and our wines hand-made with passion and authenticity.

Named after Palmer’s grandfather, Judge Palmer showcases Cabernet Sauvignon and other varietal wines made in the classic California tradition from premier vineyards in both Napa and Sonoma. Michael’s Sicilian grandmother is the inspiration for our Domenica Amato label, which features Grenache and other Rhône and Italian varieties produced in an old-world, food-friendly style. Our new Emmitt-Scorsone brand offers a more value-oriented entry point to enjoy our hand-crafted wines.