Schrader Cellars Heritage Clone Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is a highly sought-after Napa Valley Cabernet sourced from a single block within the legendary To Kalon Vineyard. Produced from the historic Mondavi Heritage Clone (Clone 31), this limited-production wine showcases extraordinary concentration, purity, and elegance. Aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, black cherry, lavender, licorice, and exotic spices lead into a full-bodied palate layered with dark fruit, cocoa, graphite, and subtle savoury notes. Despite its impressive power and depth, the wine remains remarkably refined, with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and exceptional balance. The long finish reveals mineral complexity and floral lift, highlighting the unique character of this celebrated vineyard site.

Wine Spectator | WS 98
Published: Nov 15, 2024

This shows the heft and scale of the bigger wines in this vintage but adds an element of floral lift and sparkly energy. Its boysenberry, fig and mulberry preserve core is dotted with mouthwatering details of iris, licorice snap and lavender. Offers a gorgeous mouthfeel, with an overriding velvety texture offset by hints of crumpled violet. Drink now through 2050. 345 cases made.

The Wine Advocate | RP 97
Published: Feb 1, 2024
Drink: 2025-2045

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Mondavi Heritage Clone To Kalon Vineyard comes from a single block of vines planted to what has become known as clone 31. If there is any complaint here, it's that the vibrant raspberry and mixed cherries are just too pure. Yes, the fruit is awesome (hence my enthusiastic rating), but the non-fruit complexities seem limited to modest dried-spice nuances. Perhaps more will emerge over time. Medium to full-bodied, this is exceptionally silky and elegant in the context of the 2021 vintage, finishing fresh and lively on the finish.

There have been few changes visible to consumers since Constellation Brands purchased Schrader in 2017. Thomas Rivers Brown has remained as the consultant, much of the grape sourcing has remained constant, and quality, thankfully, hasn't dropped off.

With the availability of additional fruit from the Mondavi vineyard holdings—both within To Kalon and outside of it—Brown has had the opportunity to make wine and add bottlings from different blocks. The Mondavi Heritage Clone To Kalon Vineyard is perhaps the most notable success. The Double Diamond wines—there's now a Proprietary Red as well as a Cabernet Sauvignon—provide relatively affordable on-ramps to the Schrader portfolio.

The Schrader 2021s reviewed here are all excellent examples of their respective sites and the Thomas Rivers Brown style. The vintage character comes through as well, as the wines do show a slightly more concentrated, tannic edge than in many previous years. They should age particularly well. Fans of the wines may want to stock up if possible, as 2022 looks considerably more uneven throughout Napa Valley. When Brown doesn't hesitate in calling 2022 "the worst non-fire vintage I've seen," readers should take notice.

Decanter | D 96
Published: Mar 6, 2024
Drink: 2024-2040

The Schrader Cellars' 2021 Heritage Clone To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is famously sourced from a low-yielding Cabernet clone isolated by Robert Mondavi himself. This red begins with very dark ruby colouring and a heady mix of savoury and exotic wild herbs, black liquorice, brown spices, and black-toned fruits. A super-fine structure with a cocoa-nib quality supports the full-bodied mouthfeel, framed by kirsch and blueberry fruits. A pleasantly tension-filled finish, marked by expressive minerality, closes it out.
Closure: Natural Cork
Alcohol: 14.50%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Schradercellars.com

Sourced from a single block in the To Kalon Vineyard, the Heritage Clone yields exceptionally small clusters with tiny berries and naturally low production, resulting in fruit of remarkable concentration and purity. The 2024 release delivers intense depth and complexity, showcasing plush dark and red fruit supported by lively acidity that brings balance and lift. Elegant and expressive, this wine reveals a compelling spectrum of flavors—including red cherry, cocoa‑tinged nuances, citrus peel highlights, and savory earth—reflecting the historic character of this singular clone and its extraordinary site.