Schrader Cellars CCS Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 750ml
A monumental Napa Valley Cabernet from the famed Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard (C1 Block, Clone 4), crafted by Thomas Rivers Brown. The 2019 CCS bursts with blackberry, boysenberry, and blueberry compote, layered with violets, graphite, truffle, and sweet spice. Full-bodied and opulent yet impeccably balanced, its silky tannins and lifted structure create a wine of both power and grace. Exceptionally cellar-worthy, it captures the depth and precision of Oakville’s finest terroir.
Decanter | D 99
Published: Jun 13, 2022
Drink: 2022-2050
From the C1 Block of Beckstoffer To Kalon, winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown has worked with these Clone 4 Cabernet vines since 2005. This is a block bottling like many of the Schrader wines. Lush, generous fruit but with structure – all the elements amplified but on equal proportions. Explosive nose of rich black fruits, black olive, dried wild herbs and baking spices. Incredibly textural with pixelated three-dimensional tannins finishing with pops of dried tobacco and purple-red florals. A joy to drink but among the most collectable and cellar worthy wines of the vintage. The 'CCS' on the label refers to the initials of proprietor Carol Colesworthy Schrader.
The Wine Advocate | RP 98
Published: Sep 15, 2022
Drink: 2022-2040
Sourced from Block C1 (planted to Clone 4), the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon CCS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, like all the other Schrader wines, matured in 100% new French oak from Darnajou and Taransaud. Hugely concentrated black cherries are joined by dried spices, slightly peppery notes and cedar on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied and plush yet firm at its core. It's a well-rounded, elegant example of Oakville Cabernet, nicely balanced, with attractive notions of blueberry and mint on the lengthy finish.
James Suckling | JS 98
Published: Sep 12, 2022
Aromas of mint, eucalyptus, crushed blackcurrants and lead pencil follow through to a full body with dark fruit and mint on the palate. Velvety tannins and a long finish. Fantastic structure. Savory. Minerally. Drinkable now, but this will age really beautifully. Try after 2026.
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
Extraordinarily rich and inky dark, the opulent 2019 Schrader CCS is loaded with gobs of ultra-ripe blue and black fruit aromas and flavors. Summer-picked blackberries, boysenberries, wild blueberries, and plum preserves abound and are layered with alluring notes of violets, black truffles, sweet earth, graphite, and fruitcake spice. Offering lavish fruit character, fine structure, and silky-smooth tannins, the 2019 Schrader CCS carries forward the tradition of excellence for the marque as one of the most honored and adored wines in our portfolio.
Technical Specs
Alcohol: 14.5% ABV
Closure: Natural cork
Harvest: 2019
Oak: Aged for 20 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, the wine displays aromas of crushed blackcurrants, blackberry, boysenberry, blueberry and black cherry, complemented by mint, eucalyptus, black olive, violets, graphite, cedar and baking spices. The full-bodied palate is rich and concentrated, with plush fruit, velvety yet structured tannins, savoury mineral notes and a long, elegant finish.
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.