Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Franc
⏳ Drinking Window
2025 - 2040
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Roasted duck, rosemary-crusted lamb chops, grilled ribeye steak
✨ Technical Specifications
The Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is legendary in Napa Valley, its name translating from Greek to 'the highest beauty.' Originally planted in 1868 by pioneer H.W. Crabb, this historic Oakville site features well-drained, gravelly loam soils that force the vines to dig deep for nutrients. While To Kalon is world-famous for Cabernet Sauvignon, its Cabernet Franc is highly coveted for its unique, ethereal expression. Tor Kenward's close relationship with grower Andy Beckstoffer grants him access to prized blocks of this historic vineyard. The resulting wine showcases the grape's signature violet and crushed stone perfume, backed by the opulent dark fruit and velvety tannins characteristic of the Oakville bench. Winemaker Jeff Ames employs minimal intervention, utilizing native yeasts and aging in select French oak barrels to preserve the pure, majestic expression of this grand cru-quality terroir.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 2001 by Napa Valley veteran Tor Kenward and his wife Susan, TOR Kenward Family Wines represents the culmination of nearly five decades of immersion in California viticulture. Following a 27-year tenure shaping Beringer's private reserve programs, Kenward partnered with talented winemaker Jeff Ames to craft site-driven, artisanal single-vineyard expressions. The estate sources fruit exclusively from premier, sustainably farmed crus across Napa Valley and Carneros, including Beckstoffer To Kalon, Vine Hill Ranch, Dr. Crane, Hyde Vineyard, and Durell Vineyard. Winemaking is dictated by minimal intervention, featuring native-yeast primary and malolactic fermentations, parcel-specific French oak maturation, and bottling without fining or filtration. TOR's benchmark portfolio is anchored by cult Cabernet Sauvignons alongside sculpted, mineral-laced Chardonnays—notably the Durell Vineyard Cuvée Mimi, Torchiana Beresini Vineyard, and Hyde Vineyard bottlings—as well as the ultra-limited Bordeaux-blend cuvées Black Magic and Pure Magic.
🍇 Grapes
Cabernet Franc