This article is a bit of a departure from my usual topics focused on marketing and AI. I’m sharing this because, as I look to attract more wine and spirits clients to the agency, it’s the perfect chance to blend my passion for marketing with my love for fine wines. The recent 2024 Global Release Collection tasting hosted by Constellation Brands was an incredible experience, and I couldn’t resist sharing the highlights. It’s an opportunity to bring my expertise to an industry that I’ve always admired—and perhaps open a few new bottles along the way!The 2024 Global Release tasting event was nothing short of spectacular—a convergence of winemaking expertise, storied vineyards, and exceptional vintages. Hosted by the revered Schrader Cellars, Double Diamond, and To Kalon Vineyard Co and presented by Jason Smith, Master Sommelier, this event offered a rare opportunity to sample some of Napa Valley’s finest expressions. The room was buzzing with anticipation as attendees savoured the craftsmanship and passion behind each bottle, and I was thrilled to be a part of it.
A Tale of Two Vintages
This year’s tasting spanned two distinct vintages, each offering a unique interpretation of Napa’s terroir and winemaking philosophy. On one hand, the 2021 wines from To Kalon Vineyard Co. showcased depth and structure, while the 2022 vintages from Schrader Cellars and Double Diamond brought a more approachable, fruit-forward profile. As Master Sommelier Jason Smith eloquently put it, these wines reflect the enduring legacy of To Kalon Vineyard—one of America’s most historic and celebrated vineyard sites.
To Kalon Vineyard Company: A Nod to HistoryTo Kalon Vineyard, meaning “highest beauty,” was first planted in 1868 by visionary H.W. Crabb. Since then, it has become synonymous with exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, To Kalon Vineyard Company honours this legacy through its carefully crafted wines. Two standout offerings from the 2021 vintage took centre stage:
2021 Highest Beauty: Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine reflects the vineyard’s iconic character. Its bouquet bursts with dark cherry, black raspberry, and bramble, accompanied by hints of chocolate and cedar. On the palate, the wine reveals layers of black liquorice, tobacco, and cocoa nibs, all wrapped in a delicate, toasty finish. This is a structured wine with a bright acidity that suggests excellent ageing potential. In my opinion, it’s definitely one for the cellar.
2021 Eliza’s Red Blend: A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc, this cuvée captures the essence of both varieties. It opens with black raspberry, rose hips, and cigar box aromas, transitioning seamlessly into cherry, cranberry, and cocoa nibs flavours. The Cabernet Franc imparts a floral lift and herbal notes, while the Cabernet Sauvignon brings power and structure, making this a balanced and complex wine with a long, elegant finish. My favourite of the new releases.
Double Diamond: Craftsmanship Meets Approachability
Crafted under the guidance of renowned winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, Double Diamond has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional quality without the wait. The 2022 vintage we tasted was a prime example of this philosophy.
2022 Double Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon: Sourced from top vineyards in the Oakville AVA, including To Kalon, this wine offers a modern, polished expression of Napa Cabernet. The nose is a symphony of black raspberry, toasted cedar, and juicy plum, with a refreshing note of mint. The wine is lush and mouthwatering on the palate, with flavours of blackberry jam, dark chocolate, and a hint of oolong tea. It’s vibrant yet refined, with a finish that lingers with floral and mineral notes. This wine is ready to be enjoyed now but will reward a few years in the cellar.
Schrader Cellars: Iconic Expressions from a Storied Vineyard: The crown jewel of the tasting was undoubtedly the portfolio from Schrader Cellars. Founded in 1998 by Fred Schrader, the winery quickly became a Napa Valley legend, largely thanks to its focus on To Kalon Vineyard. With over 40 perfect 100-point scores, Schrader has become synonymous with luxury and excellence in Cabernet Sauvignon.
2022 Schrader To Kalon Vineyard, Clone 15: This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is a masterclass in concentration and balance. The wine is full-bodied, with dense black and purple fruits interwoven with elegant floral notes and a fresh acidity that lifts the palate. Ripe tannins give structure without overwhelming the fruit, making this a wine that can be enjoyed now or aged for the next two decades.
2022 Schrader Monastery Block: A true expression of Oakville’s character, this wine is sourced from a single block on the western edge of To Kalon Vineyard, where the soil is rocky and the elevation provides optimal ripening conditions. The Monastery Block is richly layered with flavours of dark fruits, minerality, and a delicate floral lift. The wine’s depth and complexity reveal themselves with each sip, making it a favourite among those who appreciate the classic Napa structure with a touch of finesse.
2022 Schrader Heritage Clone, Clone 31: Perhaps the most unique of the lineup, this wine is produced from a tiny clone that yields impossibly small clusters. The result is an intensely concentrated wine with vibrant acidity. It offers a captivating nose of ripened red cherries, chocolate, and a hint of earth. The wine is plush and textured on the palate, with a long, dynamic finish that speaks to its exceptional potential for ageing.
The tasting experience was perfectly capped off with a fantastic dinner at Pavyllon London in the Four Seasons Hotel. Chef David Pearce’s tasting menu was a culinary journey harmonised beautifully with the rich flavours we had explored earlier in the day. The refined dishes celebrated seasonal ingredients, each plate prepared with the same precision and attention to detail that mirrored the craftsmanship of the wines.A Taste of the Menu:
- Devon Crab Tartlet with a fresh tomato cloud started the evening with a delicate balance of sweetness and freshness.
- Beetroot and Spinach Ravioles, served with turnip, corn, and parsley oil, offered a vibrant play of earthy and herbaceous notes—a perfect match for the bright acidity we found in some of the To Kalon wines.
- The Plissé of Avocado with curry oil and puffed rice, accompanied by warm sushi rice, effortlessly bridged the gap between texture and flavor, echoing the layered complexity of the wines we had tasted.
- Cornish Lamb Cutlet with Shiso Coulis and Seared Venison Fillet with Port Wine Jus showcased the richness and depth of the main courses, pairing effortlessly with the structured, full-bodied Cabernets from Schrader and To Kalon.
The night at Pavyllon brought a new dimension to the day’s tasting—a perfect blend of Napa’s winemaking legacy and London’s culinary innovation. With every sip and bite, it was a reminder that great wine and food aren’t just about flavours; they’re about stories, history, and moments shared. This was indeed a day to remember, filled with the “highest beauty” that To Kalon promises.
Reflecting on the ExperienceThe 2024 Global Release tasting vividly reminded us of what makes Napa Valley so unique—its history, innovation, and commitment to crafting wines that transcend time. The event offered a chance to witness the seamless transition between winemakers Andy Erickson and Tony Biagi at To Kalon Vineyard Company and how Thomas Rivers Brown’s deft touch has shaped the Schrader and Double Diamond wines. Each bottle spoke of the care taken in the vineyard and the cellar, focusing on preserving To Kalon’s unique character.
These wines, with their vibrant acidity, layered complexity, and elegant structure, are a true testament to the vision of H.W. Crabb, who dreamed of creating wines that embodied the “highest beauty.” This legacy continues to flourish, and for those lucky enough to taste these gems, the experience lingers long after the last sip.
A Toast to the Future
As the tasting concluded, it was clear that the 2024 vintages are destined to become cherished additions to any serious wine collector’s cellar. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Schrader’s bold, expressive style (as I am) or discovering Double Diamond’s accessible elegance for the first time, there’s no doubt that this year’s releases celebrate Napa Valley’s rich heritage and bright future. Here’s to many more glasses, many more vintages, and the enduring allure of the wines from To Kalon Vineyard.
Thank you to Schrader Cellars, Double Diamond, and Kalon Vineyard Company for hosting this unforgettable event and sharing their wine’s magic with us. Cheers!
