Deep Cover: Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the most collectible of them all?

We’ve gone Double Diamond crazy before. With every bottle selling out fast.

Never, though, have we had a shot at one of the BIG Schraders. Until now…

And not just any, ladies and gents, we present to you, the INAUGURAL TKS by THE Thomas Rivers Brown.

A better vintage can’t be imagined to kick off (97-100 by Jeb, hello?) this addition to the mighty Schrader lineup. 2023 was picture-perfect in Oakville. And To Kalon is arguably Napa Valley’s most storied vineyard.

In ‘Schraderish’ abbreviations - like BTK, CSS, RBS, GIII, T6, LPV, MB, HC - communicate a lot. TKS stands for To Kalon South, a very special, pampered, and historic part of To Kalon. No joke, when Jeb says, “The entire lineup of 2023s from Schrader are truly special, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see this one be the crème de la crème.”

Forbes explains, “To Kalon is now one of the most famous vineyards in the world. Today, Schrader Cellars, under the leadership of Thomas Rivers Brown, produces a range of small production bottlings from this auspicious site, such as their “TKS” bottling, which stand for To Kalon South, as it comes from the southern blocks that are known for their alluvial dominant soils which are made up of gravel, sand and silt from the Mayacamas Mountains, creating good drainage that contributes to producing elegant Cabernet Sauvignon. These portions are near another prestigious vineyard called Martha’s Vineyard.”

AHEM. These blocks, for decades, formed the core of the Mondavi Reserve and Opus One. Making TKS a Schrader like no other Schrader has been.

In a recent Schrader highlight, Decanter ties yesterday with today, “For nearly a quarter of a century, Schrader Cellars has been a cornerstone for collectors of high-end Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Founded in 1998 by Fred Schrader, a prominent art and antiques dealer, the label’s inaugural wine was from the same vintage. Shortly after, Schrader partnered with winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, who produced the 2000 vintage, including the first Beckstoffer To Kalon release. Brown remains at the helm today, and the upcoming 2023 release will mark the brand’s 25th anniversary.”

And they continue, “Blake Wood, Director of Vineyard Operations for Schrader and former vineyard manager for Andy Beckstoffer’s Heritage Properties in Napa, notes that in 2023: ‘We achieved California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) certification, which required three years of strictly organic farming before we could earn that certification.’ Given Brown’s access to such vast new areas of To Kalon and Brown and Wood’s fine-tuning of these blocks, new and riveting sections for very fine Napa Cabernet will emerge. The aim is to lend an air of greater prestige for the Mondavi To Kalon Vineyard, which may finally match, or may even eclipse, the hallowed Beckstoffer To Kalon blocks.”

See for yourselves. In the words of Ferris Bueller, “If you have the means, I highly recommend it.”

If you’re quick enough, that is.

97-100 Points – Jeb Dunnuck “From the southernmost parcels in the To Kalon Vineyard and a new cuvée, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard TKS is inky hued and has a sensational nose of cassis, currants, crushed violets, graphite, and crushed stone. It’s massive on the palate, with full-bodied richness, a huge amount of polished tannins, and flawless overall balance. The entire lineup of 2023s from Schrader are truly special, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see this one be the crème de la crème.”