Schrader Cellars

The Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard, located in Northwest St. Helena, boasts a viticultural lineage of more than 150 years, dating back to the 1840s when it was planted by Edward Bale. The name translates from Spanish to “the stones,” which aptly describes the soil composition of the vineyard. The high concentration of rocks and pebbles allows for easy drainage and causes the roots of the vines to grow deep in search of water and nutrients. The gravelly terrain shows through in the wine, imparting an elegant minerality that sings its way through a dense structure of lush black and blue fruit, a signature of this distinctive estate.

Old Sparky, the highest marque of the Schrader portfolio utilizes the best barrel lots from the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard and is only sold in magnum format. Originally planted by pioneer Hamilton Crabb in 1868, To Kalon – meaning highest beauty in Greek – is a noble “first growth” estate in Oakville that has established itself as the preeminent source of Napa Valley’s finest grapes. The vineyard is defined by its high mineral content and exceptional drainage and offers optimal north-south sun exposure by day with cool coastal breezes at night which we feel is the ideal environment for growing our Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, first planted in 1868 by viticultural and winemaking icon Hamilton Crabb, has long been regarded as the source of Napa Valley’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Within the vineyard, an alluvial fan provides excellent mineral deposits, and the rich soils are filled with marine sediment. The vines receive full sun and optimal heat during the day and are cooled by marine fog at night. These conditions allow each of the three clones planted in this vineyard (4, 6, and 337), to display its own unique character, and this celebration of individuality is the essence of Schrader.

The Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, first planted in 1868 by viticultural and winemaking icon Hamilton Crabb, has long been regarded as the source of Napa Valley’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Within the vineyard, an alluvial fan provides excellent mineral deposits, and the rich soils are filled with marine sediment. The vines receive full sun and optimal heat during the day and are cooled by marine fog at night. These conditions allow each of the three clones planted in this vineyard (4, 6, and 337), to display its own unique character, and this celebration of individuality is the essence of Schrader. A true powerhouse, this completely compelling pure clone 6 Cabernet Sauvignon is all about everything in abundance, yet with everything in perfect balance.

Our Schrader Colesworthy, named in honor of Carol Colesworthy Schrader, represents the highest expression of the remarkable Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard. The Las Piedras Vineyard, a name that translates to “the stones” in Spanish, is an exceptional rolling estate in North East St. Helena district that carries a rich viticultural history dating back to its founding by Edward Bale in the 1840s. An exceptional terroir makes this vineyard unique, where the vines contour to the gentle slope and live in rocky soil that creates a perfectly stressed environment ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is fruit that is remarkably dense and wonderfully concentrated, abundant with a provocative and elegant minerality, and bursting with deep, lush black and blue fruit flavors complemented by magnificent structure. Like our Schrader Old Sparky program, each vintage the wine is crafted from a handful of outstanding barrel lots from this acclaimed estate. Presented in magnum format.

Beckstoffer Georges I I I Vineyard, planted in the 1800s and located in Rutherford, holds true to our commitment to sourcing fruit from the most historic vineyards of the highest acclaim. The grapes for our Schrader GIII originate from a specific section of the vineyard that was formerly part of the Napa River. In the mid-20th century, the Army Corps of Engineers shifted the banks of the river for flood prevention. As a result, our section of the vineyard benefited from an abundance of minerals and rocks left by the riverbed. Distinct from the surrounding terroir, our fruit grows to be incredibly concentrated with lustrous character. The Schrader GIII is always a standout in our portfolio because the unique soil structure of the Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard consistently provides a distinctive character to the fruit.