Schrader Cellars CCS Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 750ml
The 2018 Schrader CCS Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic expression of Clone 4 from the famed C1 block—powerful, dense, and deeply layered. With its dark fruit intensity, savory depth, and refined oak structure, it walks the line between muscle and elegance. While still youthful, it shows polish now and promises decades of cellar-worthy evolution.
The Wine Advocate | RP 97
Published: Jan 29, 2021
Drink: 2023-2045
Schrader’s CCS comes from Beckstoffer’s To Kalon vineyard in Oakville, produced from clone 4 grown on the C1 block. It is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 100% new Darnajou and Taransaud French oak barrels for 18 months. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon CCS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard rolls effortlessly out of the glass with profound notions of baked plums, boysenberries, blackberry pie and cassis, leading to hints of mocha, tapenade and black truffles. Full-bodied, concentrated and with a rock-solid backbone of grainy tannins, it delivers muscular black fruit and savory flavors, leading to a long, earthy finish. 821 cases were made.
James Suckling | JS 96
Published: Dec 8, 2020
Fruity and relatively elegant. Toasted notes, nuts and vanilla, as well as blackberries. The palate is well balanced and velvety with subtle power. Full and flavorful. Finishes a tiny bit short, but should open with time. Drink after 2022.
Schradercellars.com
“There’s something very special about this wine. The fruit component with the structure with the tannins, it is a pleasure to drink and a pleasure to share.” — Carol Schrader
Tasting Notes
Continuing the legacy of excellence for this benchmark wine, the 2018 Schrader CCS is a stunning example of essential Cabernet Sauvignon power, polished by clonal finesse and terroir. The senses are enraptured by a seamless cavalcade of black and blue fruit compote, late summer bramble berries, white nectarine and jasmine blossoms, cedar, and smoked spices. One of our most popular wines, it continues to fascinate and mesmerize upon release and reward for decades to come.
Technical Specs
Alcohol: 14.5% ABV
Closure: Natural cork
Harvest: 2018
Oak: Aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak barrels from Darnajou and Taransaud
Varietals: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Farming: Sustainable farming certification not confirmed
Vineyard Area: Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, C1 Block, planted with Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon vines, Oakville, Napa Valley, California, USA
Vinification: Crafted by Thomas Rivers Brown from Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the renowned Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard. Aged in 100% new French oak barrels, the wine displays concentrated aromas of baked plum, boysenberry, blackberry pie and blackcurrant, complemented by mocha, tapenade and black truffle. The full-bodied palate delivers powerful dark-fruit flavours, savoury complexity and firm, grainy tannins, balanced by a rich texture and a long, earthy finish. Produced in a limited quantity of approximately 821 cases.
Winemaker: Thomas Rivers Brown
Region: Oakville AVA, Napa Valley, California, USA
Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Decanting: 1-2 hours
Food Pairing: Grilled ribeye steak, beef tenderloin, braised short ribs, roast lamb, venison, truffle dishes and aged hard cheeses.