2018 ELIZA'S RED WINE

2018 ELIZA'S RED WINE

To Kalon Vineyard Company’s “Eliza’s” cuvée is a blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, two varieties that best showcase the strength and spirit of this historic site at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains. The wine is named after Eliza Yount, one of Napa’s bestknown early pioneers, widow to the founder of nearby Yountville, and one-time owner of a quiet corner of To Kalon, on Walnut Lane, that is now home to our coveted planting of Cabernet Franc. This blend produces one of the most compelling examples of Napa Valley wine, with the Cabernet Franc bringing exotic spice notes and floral aromas, and the Cabernet Sauvignon providing weight, structure, and a deep, rich, black fruit character. The combination is rare and uniquely To Kalon—a wine that is effusive and exuberant now, but one that will age for decades to come. 2018, the first vintage offering of this wine, is already being recognized as a benchmark year in the Valley.
  • Vintage 2018
  • Alcohol 14.5%
  • Vineyard To Kalon Vineyard
  • Appellation Oakville, Napa Valley
  • Varietal 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Cabernet Franc
  • Cooperage 100% New French Oak
  • Winemaker Andy Erickson
  • Region California

  • Accolades

    97 Pts. “The 2018 Eliza's Red Wine (60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc) is more blue-fruited, with pretty floral nuances, medium to full-bodied richness, silky, ultra-fine tannins, and incredible balance. It brings plenty of richness and depth, but it's the purity, complexity, and finesse that really drive the cuvée. It too is going to have two decades of longevity and is another magical wine."
    — Jeb Dunnuck

    95 Pts. “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."
    — James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

  • Vineyard

    H.W. Crabb came to California looking for gold but stayed to become one of the pioneers of Napa Valley winemaking. He named his estate To Kalon Vineyard, Greek for Highest Beauty, because of the lush bounty it provided. Soon, his wines became renowned around the world. And over the last 150 years, the vineyard’s consistent fine quality has made it one of the most coveted in the world.

    Sited between the sheltering Vaca and Mayacamas mountain ranges deep in the valley, the vineyard has well-drained, gravelly soil that allows the vines to root deeply to find precious moisture and nutrients. The broad diurnal temperature shifts and reliable sun, wind, and fog provide the ideal blend of growth and rest for complex flavor development.

  • Vintage

    2018 was a spectacular growing season from start to finish. February brought a healthy dose of rain, fully replenishing the soils. Sunshine and mild temperatures followed, setting up nearly ideal conditions for flowering and fruit set. Light rains in early October, followed by breezy warm days, allowed the vineyards to fully mature and the grape harvest felt like the smoothest of landings.