2021 Vice Versa Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard
Community Tasting Note
csimm wrote:
Friday, April 7, 2023 - A few days in Napa with fellow CT'r Cristal2000: As much as the LPV and Crane are like eating a blackberry pie with the best fruit ever made on earth, the BTK is undeniably the leader of the SVD triad. The concentration is so insanely on-point, with a depth that lands in exactly the right mid of the mid of the mid-palate. It’s execution is flawless, and that’s saying something given what a baby it is right now. Gorgeous density, with blackberry, black soil, pure cassis, and black rock, the BTK is super chewy and at the same time layered with complexities that continue to blossom new flavors and textures. It’s got muscle and grip, so the waves of fruit don’t ever lose traction and break too soon before the persistent finish. For those who are looking for a big, modern expression of To Kalon, this is it without a doubt. Potential for a perfect score here. 97-100 points.
Note: The 2021s from Vice Versa were all composite barrel samples and not the final blends. I'll say this though: Whatever that TK is, they better bottle that bad boy as-is!
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17 comments have been posted
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Comment posted by gymnastpro:
4/7/2023 12:29:00 PM - I went deep on Dr. Crane and Mysterons. Sounds like I need to go deeper on TK! When I tasted it a few months ago, it was definitely my favorite with Dr. Crane
Comment posted by csimm:
4/7/2023 12:34:00 PM - For me, this was a few notches above them all. It was also the sample with the least oak masking at the time, allowing the fruit to shine more.
Comment posted by gymnastpro:
4/7/2023 12:36:00 PM - I love their Dr Crane, but I can't argue with you on that one. The TK is definitely super special.
Comment posted by gymnastpro:
4/7/2023 2:09:00 PM - Did you get a couple bottles of the TK?
Comment posted by csimm:
4/7/2023 2:26:00 PM - The TK is my focus in 2021. I think Crane and LPV will be great too, but for my palate, the TK is where it is at. These samples were not final blends though, so I have to take that into consideration. In 2019, LPV is the best of the bunch (my opinion). 2021 is the TK - unless something at blending changes that opinion. But for now, I'm personally Team TK for '21. haha.
Comment posted by gymnastpro:
4/7/2023 2:31:00 PM - Ya I need to procure some more for sure. It's a great wine. I loved the 19 mysterons so I'm wondering how the 21 will be. Excited about that wine!
Comment posted by csimm:
4/7/2023 2:35:00 PM - Ya wish I could've tried a sample of '21 Mysterons. Ecotone is an interesting site, especially since it lost the Thorevilos brand and a number of producers are now seeing what they can do with that fruit.
Comment posted by overspeed62:
4/7/2023 3:02:00 PM - Csimm, I’ve come around to put ToK #1 in this fantastic portfolio myself. I always slightly preferred Las Piedras but man, the 2019 VV ToK was the most memorable young Cab I’ve had. 2021 is following in its footsteps
Comment posted by csimm:
4/7/2023 3:16:00 PM - Overspeed! Like you, I've been an LPV fan forever. TK was always second fiddle to my love for LPV. In 2019, both LPV and TK were my favorites... with LPV in that vintage for me being my absolute favorite. 2021 (so far), it is TK all the way. I know I'm probably fickle and I may flipflop again depending on when I next catch a particular bottle at a particular time. Good thing it's ok to love them both!
Comment posted by gymnastpro:
4/7/2023 3:27:00 PM - Ya 19 Mysterons was my favorite wine in their portfolio for 19. Excited to see what they do with it in 21!
Comment posted by Big&Bold707:
8/15/2023 11:13:00 PM - Csimm, thank you for this detailed review. Curious if the pricing increased with 21s since no 20s? What was the release price of the To Kalon?
Comment posted by csimm:
8/16/2023 7:37:00 AM - Yes on price increase. I believe it was $300 if memory serves. It’s a competitive price bracket, but it does deliver.
Comment posted by gymnastpro:
8/16/2023 8:13:00 AM - It is 300 now. Unfortunately 250 is the new 300. But it does deliver.
Comment posted by gymnastpro:
2/27/2024 12:49:00 PM - Anyone taste any of the 22s yet? Release coming next week.
Comment posted by csimm:
2/27/2024 7:17:00 PM - Not me, yet.
Comment posted by gymnastpro:
2/28/2024 1:00:00 AM - Ah ok. Wondering how they are given the tough vintage.
Comment posted by gymnastpro:
3/5/2024 9:58:00 AM - Anyone buying today? I went light so far not knowing if others had tried. I'm sure they are exceptional.