2021 The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, To Kalon Vineyard

98 Points "Full-bodied, framed by an array of plush dark black fruit notes, currants, crème de cassis, and polished tannins that are firm and elongated, with ironstone mineral accents."
— Decanter, September 2024

97+ Points "The flagship 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve To Kalon Vineyard is based on 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that was raised 20 months in new barrels. Dense black fruits, violets, spicy, chocolaty oak, and scorched earth-like nuances all define the aromatics, and this beauty is full-bodied, with a layered, opulent mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and a great finish. I love its overall layered, broad, expansive profile, and as with most 2021s, it's built for the long haul. Hide bottles for 5-7 years if you can, and it should have 2-3 decades of overall longevity."
— Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com, January 2025

97 Points "Wow, Mondavi's top red wine is very impressive in 2021, all svelte but muscular and built for long-term enjoyment. A bit richer and more layered than the 2018 and 2016, and the signature sage character is subdued here. Showing great black fruit and flowers with integrated oak spices on the nose, the tannins building as you sip, black cherries, blackcurrants, cocoa and light graphite showing on the palate. So smooth and full-bodied but not heavy, lifted by fresh acidity and very fine-grained tannins. From organically grown grapes. Bottles from the 1990s are still great to drink, so no hurry to open it."
— James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, May 2024

95 Points "This is lush and seductive in feel, with a gush of boysenberry and blackberry compote flavors that rolls through, along with melted black licorice, mocha and Christmas pudding accents. A flash of warm paving stone at the tail end keeps this grounded, and a charming purity emerges as this airs in the glass. Best from 2025 through 2040."
— James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, November 2024

95 Points "The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon The Reserve To Kalon Vineyard is a dense, powerful wine. Dark, ample and expansive, the 2021 possesses notable textural depth and intensity. Time in the glass brings out expressive floral and spice notes."
— Antonio Galloni, Vinous, December 2024

Aromas: Fresh black fruit with dark chocolate, dried herbs, and hints of vanilla and violet
Flavors: Black plum and blackberry with red fruit and a hint of graphite on the finish
Body: Elegant and plush with sweet, beautifully integrated tannins and a lengthy finish

THE VINEYARD: The fruit for this wine came exclusively from our To Kalon Vineyard, which is located on prime benchland in the Oakville appellation. The well-drained, low-fertility soils and optimal sun exposure here enable the development of rich, complex flavors, and varietal character. The wine is 94% Cabernet Sauvignon chosen from five of our favorite lots from this site.

THE VINTAGE: The 2021 vintage was excellent and mild. After rains in January and February, the growing season remained dry. Temperatures were moderate and the weather optimal at bud break in April and bloom in May. Weather remained even through summer and harvest, resulting in a lower-than-average yield of small, deeply concentrated grapes. The final blend was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels (100% new).