2019 Robert Mondavi To Kalon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

The finest vintage I’ve tasted from this estate (although I think the 2016 will give it a run), the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a full-bodied, incredibly elegant, seamless To Kalon Cabernet delivering classic notes of crème de cassis, tobacco, graphite, and chocolate. Its oak is perfectly integrated, and it has silky tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. This brilliant 2019 already offers pleasure (as do most 2019s), but it’s going to cruise for 25-30 years in cold cellars.

98 points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com Feb 23 

 This has wonderful purity of black fruit, with an inky, savory edge. Beautiful nose of blackcurrants, bark, black tea, licorice and oyster shells. It's full-bodied, yet so elegant, with firm, supple tannins. Long and creamy, yet firm. So much focus. Cabernet sauvignon with 2% petit verdot. Try this after 2024.

 96 points JamesSuckling.com September 2022

This wine has proved to be one of Napa's longest-lived reds, capable of cellaring many decades. If its nose is characteristically reticent, that is to be expected, but the upfront appeal of the vintage shows in the vivid ripe cherry and boysenberry fruit aromas that are laced with vanilla, graphite and cedar. Expansive on the palate with energy and poise, showcasing red and black fruits, savoury herbs, brown spices, and a crushed stone salinity. Very fine, pixelated tannins resolve in a long spicy finish that builds with notes of chocolate and crushed flowers. Drink 2022-2032.

97 points decanter.com

Lush and loaded with warmed cassis, dark plum puree and blackberry paste flavors, this cruises through slowly, with a dark loamy underpinning and a steady drumbeat of tobacco, licorice root and roasted alder. Features an echoing violet hint, indicating inner purity amid the fairly stoic display of dark fruit. The finish is riveted with graphite. One for the cellar. Best from 2023 through 2040. 

95 points James Molesworth winespectator.com July 2022

A blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Reserve is an impressive effort. Marked by scents of cedar, cassis, black cherries and tobacco, it's full-bodied and rich on the palate, then finishes long and velvety, with a frankly yummy hint of caramel.

95 points Joe Czerwinski robertparker.com September 2022