James Suckling reviewed the 2018 and 2019 vintages of all three To Kalon Vineyard Company wines, awarding the 2019 H.W.C. Cabernet Sauvignon 100 points.
H.W.C Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
100 points
This has amazing fruit at the end of the palate, creating an endless finish of raspberry, boysenberry, and blackcurrant. Spice, too. It's full-bodied with compact fruit. The essence of Cabernet Sauvignon. Remarkable wine, with energy, depth, and purity. Drinkable now, but better after 2026. —J.S., September 21, 2022
Highest Beauty Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
98 points
Black olives, blackberries and blackcurrants, as well as asphalt, lead pencil, crushed stone and oyster shell. Full-bodied with chewy and juicy tannins that are spread across the palate. Fuller and more flavorful than the 2018. Plush and dry, velvety texture. This needs at least five years to open. Try after 2027.—J.S., September 21, 2022
Eliza's Red Wine 2019
98 points
Amazing aromas of lead-pencil shavings to the blackcurrants and dark cherries. Sweet tobacco and licorice, too. Full-bodied with very fine tannins that spread across the palate. Extremely long. Slightly more Cabernet Franc this year, with 60%, the rest Cabernet Sauvignon. Hard not to drink now, but will deliver even more in four to five years. —J.S., September 21, 2022
Highest Beauty Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
99 points
Blackberries and lead pencil with asphalt, spice and violets. This is medium-to full-bodied with linear and very long tannins that go on and on. Racy and refined, with strength at the same time. Closed and tight now. Hints of toasted oak at the end. Give it time to show its greatness. Pure Cabernet Sauvignon. Try after 2025. —J.S., September 21, 2022
H.W.C Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
97 points
Lots of redcurrants on the nose, together with some sweet tobacco and roses. Medium- to full-bodied with creamy, round tannins and a flavorful finish. From a single parcel in To Kalon with a heritage clone of Cabernet Sauvignon. Juicy and delicious already, but needs a few years to open. —J.S., September 21, 2022
Eliza's Red Wine 2018
95 points
A new red from half Cabernet Franc and half Cabernet Sauvignon, with crushed berries, flowers and hints of lead pencil, stones and coffee beans. Full-bodied with layers of soft, creamy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Juicy and savory. Bigger wine. Drinkable now, but better in 2025. —J.S., September 21, 2022
