2023 Schrader "Monastery Block - To Kalon Vineyard" Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

A terrific effort from a parcel of vines nestled up under the old Carmelite Monastery (hence the name), Schrader's 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Monastery Block To Kalon Vineyard reveals just how much progress the team has made in understanding the site since taking it on in 2017. A great vintage doesn't hurt. Dusty loam and black cherries are joined by suede and dried spices in this full-bodied, rich and concentrated wine. Long and velvety but firm on the finish, with 20+ years of aging ahead of it, it's a tour de force.

The Monastery Blocks are located near the Carmelite Monastery at the southern end of the Mondavi-owned To Kalon Vineyard. These parcels have historically formed the backbone of Robert Mondavi Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s – wines that continue to show remarkable vitality and poise decades on. In 2023, this represents a significant upgrade in expression, leaning into a more savoury profile marked by black liquorice and graphite, framed by dark fruit and subtle Asian spice. There is a clear build of inner tension and tannic grip, carrying through to a long, mineral-rich finish. (JC)