Schrader Wines Stunning New Releases
Founded by Fred Schrader in 1998, Schrader Cellars has swiftly become one of the most respected names in Napa Valley, renowned for its single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. At the core of Schrader’s success is the legendary To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, widely recognised as one of Napa's premier sources of Cabernet grapes.
Schrader’s early success can be credited to Fred Schrader’s visionary choices. Originally from the world of art and antiques, Schrader entered winemaking with an unwavering ambition: to craft wines that embody Napa Valley’s finest terroirs. His most influential decision was partnering with winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. Known for his philosophy of minimal intervention, Brown’s approach aligned perfectly with Schrader’s vision, highlighting the unique characteristics of the To Kalon Vineyard without overshadowing them.
Oakville itself, home to some of Napa’s most prestigious wineries, including Screaming Eagle, Harlan Estate, and Opus One, contributes significantly to this terroir-driven approach. With its Mediterranean climate and well-draining soils of gravel, clay, and loam, Oakville provides ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. A few years ago, I based myself here on a tasting trip, drawn by the accessibility of these iconic vineyards and the unique character of Oakville’s terroir.
The To Kalon Vineyard was established in 1868 by H.W. Crabb, and under Thomas Rivers Brown’s careful guidance, Schrader has maintained a minimal intervention approach to winemaking, emphasising the vineyard’s voice through each bottle. Harvesting is done by hand, ensuring only the finest grapes are selected. These grapes are harvested at their peak to balance sugar, acidity, and phenolic maturity, capturing the vineyard’s full expression. The mineral-rich soils, combined with Oakville’s warm days and cool nights, allow the Cabernet to reach remarkable complexity and power.
A large part of Schrader’s success also lies in their dedication to clonal selection. Different clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, each contributing unique characteristics, are planted throughout To Kalon. For instance, Clone 4 brings intense dark fruit and structure, while Clone 6 offers small, concentrated berries with deep, robust flavour. This clonal diversity enhances the wines' layers, complexity, and authentic representation of To Kalon.
Schrader’s approach in the winery continues this philosophy. After hand-harvesting, the grapes are gently destemmed to minimise fruit damage. Fermentation takes place in small, open-top fermenters, which allow precise control over temperature and extraction. Hand punch-downs gently draw colour and tannins without introducing harshness, creating wines that balance power with refined, fine-grained tannins. Following fermentation, Schrader’s wines age in French oak for 18 to 20 months, where new oak adds subtle structure and complexity before bottling unfined and unfiltered to preserve purity.
Schrader wines have garnered critical acclaim, including numerous 100-point scores from critics like Robert Parker, catapulting the winery’s reputation. Even so, Schrader Cellars remains focused on capturing the distinct personality of each vintage. For example, the 2021 vintage, impacted by drought, produced smaller berries with concentrated flavours and strong tannic structure, while 2022’s extreme heat resulted in fruit-forward profiles and smoother tannins.
As Napa moves toward sustainability, organic viticulture is increasingly emphasised. However, full organic certification is complex and costly, often requiring years of transition. This challenge is heightened by Napa’s ongoing threat from wildfires, which have pressured many vintners, including Schrader, to forgo production in affected years, such as 2020. Yet, winemakers continue to adopt organic practices to promote sustainability while balancing the costs and limitations of organic farming.
Schrader’s dedication to quality is evident in their Double Diamond label, which sources fruit from younger vines in the To Kalon Vineyard. Though made for earlier enjoyment, Double Diamond retains Oakville’s signature depth and structure, enhanced by 50% new French oak ageing. The 2022 Double Diamond Cabernet was particularly approachable, with a fruity profile and dry finish, which I found especially enjoyable in a recent tasting.
Beyond Double Diamond, Schrader’s other wines also showcase To Kalon’s remarkable range. The Schrader 2022 Clone 15 Cabernet offers a robust profile with structured tannins, blackcurrant, and damson layers, ideal for long-term ageing. The Schrader Heritage Clone and Monastery Block add diversity, with the former presenting a beautiful blend of ripe plum and cacao and the latter an earthier, mineral complexity. Both wines promise exceptional longevity.
The 2021 Highest Beauty exemplifies To Kalon’s opulent side with an aromatic, fruit-forward profile, while Eliza’s Blend (a 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cabernet Franc blend) delivers complexity through the Cabernet Franc’s vibrant acidity and savoury undertones that balance the Cabernet's depth.
A crown jewel of Schrader’s portfolio, Old Sparky is produced only in exceptional vintages. A blend of the best barrels from various blocks within To Kalon, Old Sparky is prized by collectors and only released in magnum, embodying Schrader’s commitment to quality and authenticity. It’s a wine for those who appreciate the finer things in life and are willing to invest in an unforgettable experience.
Schrader Cellars, acquired by Constellation Brands in 2017, has remained true to its ethos of showcasing vineyard purity and respecting terroir. It has been a few years since my last visit to Napa Valley, but I look forward to returning and experiencing the magic of the To Kalon Vineyard firsthand once again. In the meantime, I’ll savour the wines Schrader Cellars continues to produce - and encourage you to do the same.
