2015 | Schrader Cellars | Old Sparky (Magnum)

A dense and very layered Sparky with lots of ripe varietal character such as currant bushes and dark fruit. Full-bodied, rich and powerful. Juicy and very flavorful.

Reviews:

• Wine Advocate: A barrel selection coming from the best barrels of Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Old Sparky has a deep garnet-purple color and savory/meaty nose of yeast extract, chargrill, sautéed herbs and smoked meat over a core of crème de cassis, cigar box, red currant jelly and wild blueberries plus a touch of powdered cinnamon. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with black fruit preserves, savory and baking spice layers, with a very firm backbone and very long, multilayered finish.

• Jeb Dunnuck: A wine that got more than one expletive in my notes, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Old Sparky is a barrel selection and is mostly clone 6 with smaller amounts of clone 4. Pure crème de cassis, blueberries, violets, white chocolate, and white flower notes all soar from this inky 2015 which is full-bodied, powerful, yet weightless and elegant. Its tannins are covered by a wealth of fruit, it has no hard edges, perfect integration of its fruit, tannin, acidity, and alcohol, and a finish that just won’t quit. This is a crazy good wine that couldn’t be any better.

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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