Mesmerizing aromas of earth, violets, and fresh black and blue fruit give way to chalky tannins that dry the palate—part of that is pure youth. The acidity lifts the flavors to compensate for the tighter grip. Savory notes of soy sauce, espresso, sweet soil, and bittersweet dark chocolate rest on a praiseworthy pedestal.

A blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Reserve opens with beautifully fragrant kirsch, wilted roses, candied violets and dried Provence herbs notes over a core of wild blueberries, red and black currants and mulberries plus wafts of tobacco leaf and cardamom. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with perfumed, crunchy black fruits framed by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and finishes long and earthy.

The flagship 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a more long-term effort yet is loaded with potential. Coming all from Mondavi’s To Kalon holdings and seeing an extended maceration and 18 months in new oak, its deep purple color is followed by rocking notes of blackberries, black cherries, smoke tobacco, black licorice, and crushed rocks. With a terrific sense of minerality, subtle background oak, full body, and impeccable balance, hide bottles for 4-5 years and this beauty will cruise for 3 decades or so.