Recently we accepted an invitation to a rare event, a vertical tasting of Cabernet Sauvignon reserves from Robert Mondavi’s esteemed To Kalon vineyard (pronounced Toe-kah-lawn). Wineaux wine bar in Las Vegas started us off with a 2022 To Kalon Reserve Fumé Blanc which was then followed by the To Kalon Cabernet reserves from 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2019.
“Join us for a one-of-a-kind tasting experience featuring the iconic To Kalon Reserve wines from Robert Mondavi Winery. Indulge in a curated selection of rare and distinguished vintages, showcasing the artistry of Napa Valley winemaking. Savor the legacy of To Kalon vineyard with an unforgettable evening of exceptional wines and perfect pairings.”
The tasting was led by Jacob Steiner, the Brand Ambassador for Robert Mondavi. Steiner explained that the historical To Kalon vineyard was first planted in 1868 and Mondavi purchased in 1966.
We were given the technical sheets on all of the wines, complete with aroma and flavor notes – many of which I found as well, maybe with a couple of additional notes. On the reds most noted black fruit, spice, mint, and chocolate.
The barrel-aged Fume Blanc was a perfectly refreshing and fruit-forward palate-starter made with 95% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Semillon. As we moved into the reds the 2013 – the oldest wine in the vertical tasting – seemed to be the overall hit of the evening (I gave it 100 points) with many remarking that the 2019 was cellar-worthy to enjoy in a few more years.
The small food pairings were very nice, the wine-tasting crowd appreciative and the staff at Wineaux was professional and solicitous as always. This is our second organized tasting there and we look forward to more.
I’ve always enjoyed vertical tastings, to see the changes from year to year from the same winery, and if possible, like this, the same single vineyard. As a collector I have a few verticals in my cellar and as I rarely take out more than one bottle at a time, having the opportunity to taste wines this way is usually quite unique.
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Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.
