Vice Versa, Beckstoffer To Kalon, Oakville

Given the upcoming VV release (w/ the new Reflecktor BTK bottling, aka Old Sparky).. I thought it was appropriate to open up a VV BTK to see if the juice was worth the squeeze. And it very much is so. I opened this and splash decanted. The nose was worth every penny, but the mouthfeel and finish were just as good.

Napa Daytrip, Mar 2025: Vice Versa, Elusa, Beringer (Napa) : Tasted at the winery. Decanted for at least half an hour ahead of time. Rather hot on the nose, but not the palate. Very dark color and concentrated. Notes of dark plum, blueberry, and slight spice. Strong tannins with nice acidity. This needs lots of time, but was already opening up nicely in the glass. 92+ points.

Nose is perfumy and full of dark berry fruit, vanilla, graphite, mild bubble gum, ripe red and black fruit, sweet wild flowers, sweet earthy minerals, leather and spices. Palate is beam of mild Sandalwood, Graphite and sweet crushed stones, also tobacco, sweet leather, and spices . Medium plus bodied with fine and lush tannins. Finish is savory and spicy. It’s a young wine and I would have to say that it would become better with time.

nose of plum, smoke. nice mouth, on elegant side with ripe fruit attack followed by ground coffee. nice balance. but fairly short finish. could use a bit more complexity.