The 2021 Schrader RBS Cabernet Sauvignon is firing on all cylinders. Made from 100% Clone 337 Cabernet sourced from the legendary Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, it’s a big, bold Napa Cab with serious pedigree. With sky-high scores across the board—Wine Spectator gave it a near-perfect 98—this vintage brings deep black fruit, exotic florals, sleek tannins, and that signature To Kalon structure. It’s plush and powerful now, but has all the bones to age beautifully for decades.

Wine Spectator | WS 98

So packed and dense with blackberry, black currant, and boysenberry compote flavors that this seems like a black hole, but there's coiled energy buried deeply within in the form of tensile graphite girders. In the meantime, exotic accents of violet, anise and iris start to dart out from the core as this opens in the glass, adding remarkable range. This impressive, large-scale wine offers a sense of guile and mystery when all is said and done. Drink now through 2050. 

Decanter | D 97
Published: Mar 6, 2024
Drink: 2024-2040

Schrader Cellars' 2021 RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from select blocks planted in the mid-1990s to Cabernet Clone 337. This savoury-scented red shows a super-dark ruby core, with wafts of black-toned fruits nuanced by black liquorice, dried purple florals and rich, dark, toasty cedarwood spices. Full-bodied, it has an almost towering structure and dimension to the tannins, which present like sleek skyscrapers and build in intensity. The black fruit character is compact with excellent depth and concentration, and a firm spine of acidity delivers a refreshing, long and mineral-scented finish.

The Wine Advocate | RP 94+
Published: Jan 31, 2024
Drink: 2015-2040

All clone 337, selected from a few vineyard blocks and aged in 100% new Taransaud and Darnajou barrels, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard shows a bit more structure than previous vintages, framed by ripe, fine-grained tannins. Cherries, mint and gentle sage notes show up on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is a bit stern but balanced, with a long, cooling 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. 

Schradercellars.com

Our Beckstoffer To Kalon RBS is produced from 100% Clone 337 Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from blocks of the vineyard that receive full sun and optimal heat during the day and are cooled by marine fog at night. Unfailingly red-fruited and plush yet balanced with savory notes of roasted coffee and supple silky tannins. The most generous wine in our portfolio, RBS tends to be more approachable upon release than our other bottlings.

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 15.5% ABV
Closure: Natural cork
Harvest: 2021
Oak: Aged in 100% new French oak barrels from Darnajou and Taransaud cooperages
Varietals: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, Clone 337
Farming: Sustainable practices not confirmed; certification not specified
Vineyard Area: Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, Oakville, Napa Valley, California, USA. Selected vineyard blocks planted with Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 337
Harvest: 2021 vintage; exact harvest dates not confirmed
Vinification: Crafted from selected Clone 337 grapes grown in Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard. The wine is made to express the vineyard's concentrated fruit and distinctive structure, with maturation in new French oak adding complexity, texture and spice.
Winemaker: Thomas Rivers Brown
Region: Oakville AVA, Napa Valley, California, USA

Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Decanting: 1–2 hours
Food Pairing: Dry-aged ribeye steak, roast beef, braised short ribs, roast lamb, venison and aged hard cheeses.