A Napa Valley winemaker, Thomas Rivers Brown, has achieved an extraordinary milestone with 39 perfect 100-point scores for his exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the renowned To Kalon vineyard.

This remarkable journey began unexpectedly for Brown during a formal dinner where he was accompanying his girlfriend, a newly minted Rhodes Scholar. Seated at a table with notable figures such as journalist Katie Couric and the president of the University of Virginia, he felt the weight of his surroundings and humorously pondered, "Who is this dude?" Such experiences only spurred his intrigue in wine, leading him to embark on an impromptu road trip to Napa Valley just a week later.

Raised in Sumter, South Carolina—an area not known for its wine culture—Brown initially did not envision a future in winemaking. His career shift began in the mid-1990s when he joined Turley, a small winery with a burgeoning reputation. His inclination for hard work and passion for wine were recognized by the head winemaker, who valued talent over traditional lineage in the field.

By 2000, Brown was associated with Schrader Cellars, where he produced wine from To Kalon, receiving his first 100-point score in 2002. His approach emphasized showcasing the vineyard’s true essence, a philosophy that has earned him acclaim. His wines reflect a focus on the land rather than imposing his style, captivating critics with their authenticity.

Schrader Cellars initially sourced from the Beckstoffer portion of To Kalon—one of Napa’s most prestigious sites. With time, ownership transitioned from legendary winemaker Robert Mondavi to Constellation Brands, which now markets Schrader’s limited-release wines. Mondavi’s legacy is one of resilience and vision, having championed Napa Valley when it was not respected on the global stage, and normalizing extraordinary winemaking practices in the region.

The To Kalon vineyard remains a testament to this enduring legacy, known for its diverse terroirs enabling Schrader Cellars to create multiple intriguing bottlings. For instance, the "TKS" bottling comes from southern blocks characterized by unique soil composition, while the "Heritage Clone" represents a specific Cabernet Sauvignon clone renowned for its small berries and high quality.

As Brown reflects on his 25-year journey in winemaking, he attributes much of his success to the collaborative energies of influential figures like Fred Schrader and the vision they shared. Their partnership has led to a thriving legacy for Napa Cabernet, highlighted in exceptional vintages like 2023, deemed a "vintage of a lifetime."

Today’s offerings from Schrader Cellars showcase the extraordinary effects of terroir and winemaking finesse. The 2023 Cabernet selections exhibit profound flavors and complexity, showcasing notes of graphite, plum, wildflowers, and rich black cherry—a harmonious blend of old-world elegance and new-world innovation. These wines not only symbolize personal milestones but also represent the remarkable narrative of Napa Valley’s ascent that Brown and predecessors have woven together.

For more about Thomas Rivers Brown and his legacy, visit Schrader Cellars.