2023 Cliff Lede Vineyards Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Ratings & Tasting Notes:

99 points International Wine Report

The review highlights the wine’s structural precision, layering aromas of black cherry, blueberry compote, and cassis with violet, cedar, and baking spice, and calling it “a remarkable expression of precision and power.” International Wine Report, February 2026

99 points Decanter

This review draws a comparison to Left Bank Bordeaux, describing the wine’s elegant density and noting “Pauillac-like freshness, tension, and minerality, yet distinctly Californian” in its ripe fruit and tannin balance, with strong aging potential. Decanter, June 2026

Cult Wines International Notes:

Cliff Lede Vineyards was founded in 2002 when Canadian entrepreneur Cliff Lede purchased sixty acres in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, building an estate that fuses serious winemaking with a rock-and-roll sensibility — vineyard blocks are even named after classic rock songs. While the flagship Poetry bottling comes from Cliff Lede’s own hillside vineyard, the Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the legendary To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, long considered one of Napa’s most prestigious Cabernet sites. Winemaking is overseen by Director of Winemaking Christopher Tynan.

The 2023 growing season in Napa Valley is being called one of the finest in decades. Full winter and spring rains left reservoirs and soils saturated ahead of bud break, and a cooler spring pushed the growing season 10-14 days behind the prior year. Summer stayed unusually mild, with only a single day topping 100°F, and the valley returned to classic foggy mornings. This extended, cool cycle gave the fruit unusually long hang time, and Cabernet Sauvignon harvest ran from late September into early October, with some picks continuing into November. The result is widely described as a vintage of exceptional freshness, purity, and structure — a return to a more classic, less heat-driven Napa style after several hot, difficult years.

Bottle Size:

750 mL

Storage History:

Always stored on its side in a climate-controlled cellar.

Condition:

Outstanding condition.

Please note: The condition of the bottle you will receive is accurately reflected by the one shown in the images.