2017 | Schrader Cellars | Old Sparky (Magnum)

Revealing ripe black fruits, especially blackberry and blueberry, mixed with notes of roasted espresso and dark chocolate. On the palate, the well-woven tannins provide great balance to the exceptional fruit core. Flavours of currants and tobacco lead into the fragrant finish on this opulent and intense wine.

Reviews:

• Wine Advocate: This “Old Sparky” label comes from Beckstoffer’s To Kalon vineyard in Oakville, produced from clone 4 grown on the C1 block (12.5%), clone 4 from the C2 block (12.5%) and clone 6 (50%) and clone 337 (25%) from the B2 block. The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Old Sparky Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged in 100% new Darnajou oak for 20 months. Very deep purple-black colored, the 2017 is redolent of raisin cake, hoisin, preserved plums and crème de cassis with a very provocative perfume of lilacs, cinnamon toast and camphor plus a touch of tilled soil. Full-bodied, the palate is pure seduction, with firm yet velvety tannins and the invigorating freshness lifting the background of all that rich, spicy black fruit, finishing very long. 431 cases were made.

• James Suckling: Blueberries, dried violet petals and lavender with some rosemary on the nose. Full body and chewy, juicy character. Muscular and linear, yet formed and refined. Savory and salty undertone. Better after 2022.

Producer Information

Schrader Cellars is a cult Napa Valley winery founded by former antiques dealer Fred Schrader. Its focus is on premium Cabernet Sauvignon from single parcels and single vineyards – the most famous of which is the Old Sparky label, produced from the renowned Beckstoffer To Kalon vineyard. Schrader entered the wine industry in 1992, founding Colgin Schrader Cellars with his then-wife Ann Colgin (who would go on to found Colgin Cellars). In 1998, he left to start his own label, bringing on board winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown and grape grower W. Andrew Beckstoffer. Schrader makes a range of wines from Napa, most of which are made from Cabernet Sauvignon. The most significant vineyard associated with the label is the Beckstoffer To Kalon vineyard in Oakville, which provides an excellent growing environment for Cabernet Sauvignon: high mineral content and superb drainage in the soil, lots of sun exposure, and a coastal breeze for cool nights. In 2008, Schrader Cellars became the first winery to receive 100-point reviews from US critic Robert Parker for the same wine across four consecutive vintages, a recognition that it received for two labels, both the Schrader CCS (from the initials of Carol Colesworthy Schrader, Schrader's partner) and the Old Sparky. The small production of Schrader Cellars is mostly distributed through its mailing list, which can have a wait time of two to three years. Schrader Cellars was bought by drinks giant Constellation in 2017 in a reported US$60 million deal.

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