Schrader Cellars

Old Sparky - A Wine As Magical As Its Label

Schrader Cellars, synonymous with excellence in Napa winemaking, produces one wine in particular that is a true “candidate for perfection” – Old Sparky Cabernet Sauvignon. This exceptional wine is a testament to the rich history of the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, the estates meticulous winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown!

The Mystery Behind The Label

Old Sparky's label features a fire-breathing, flame-throwing dragon wearing a crown. One could interpret that the dragon symbolizes power, strength, and a touch of whimsy, reflecting the bold and intense characteristics of Old Sparky. However, in an interview with Wine-Searcher, Schrader humorously mentions that the dragon is a spoof, adding an element of fun to the wine. He further reveals that the name “Old Sparky” represents himself as it is the nickname he is called by friends.

A Truly Compelling Narrative
Old Sparky is not just a wine; it is a narrative woven from the vines of To Kalon, to the vision and passion of the team behind it. The feeling of whimsy and magic cannot only be found on the beautiful label but is expressed in every sip taken of this exquisite Schrader wine. Old Sparky is truly the peak of Schrader Cellars wines and a drinking experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Schrader Cellars: A Kaleidoscope of Beckstoffer

Combining talent, vineyards, and passion, Schrader Cellars stands out as one of Napa Valley's original "cult wine" producers. Heralded as the "Napa Valley Benchmark" by Wine Spectator, Schrader has been crafting exceptional wines since its inception, earning an impressive thirty-five 100-point scores and counting. Setting itself apart from other "cult wine" producers, Schrader takes a meticulous approach to crafting Cabernet Sauvignon, producing vineyard-specific and clone-specific wines that highlight the subtle nuances of Napa's finest varietal and vineyards.

Napa's Premier Source

At the heart of Schrader's success lies the illustrious Beckstoffer To Kalon vineyard in Oakville, expertly managed by the legendary Andy Beckstoffer. Recognized as one of Napa's premier vineyards, Beckstoffer To Kalon has consistently produced 100-point wines for various producers. From this exceptional vineyard, Schrader crafts five distinct wines: Beckstoffer To Kalon, RBS, T6, CCS, and the highly acclaimed Old Sparky – all cultivated from a single varietal sourced from the same vineyard.

Beckstoffer To Kalon, farmed exclusively by Andy Beckstoffer, covers 89 acres of rich alluvial soils with diverse mineral deposits and marine sediments. With optimal drainage and a north-south exposure, the vineyard benefits from cool coastal breezes at night, making it perfect for growing Cabernet Sauvignon.

While Beckstoffer To Kalon remains their primary source, Schrader also receives fruit from Beckstoffer Las Piedras in St. Helena and Beckstoffer Georges III in Rutherford, both managed by Andy Beckstoffer. Additionally, they source fruit from other parts of the To Kalon vineyard not farmed by Beckstoffer, although it's the wines from Beckstoffer's vineyards that have played a pivotal role in Schrader's rise to prominence.

The Birth of Schrader Cellars

Schrader Cellars traces its origins to the passionate dream of Fred Schrader, who, after attending the Napa Valley Wine Auction, became enamored with wine. In 1992, along with his then-wife, Ann Colgin, Fred co-founded Colgin Cellars, another renowned "cult wine" estate. A few years later, Ann and Fred went their separate ways leading to Schrader Cellars' emergence in 1998. Since then, Thomas Rivers Brown has been the driving force behind transforming Andy Beckstoffer's fruit into Schrader’s sensational wines.

Crafting Cabernet Nuances

For Thomas Rivers Brown and the winemaker team, the focus is on showcasing the unique nuances of Cabernet Sauvignon clones, all sourced from the same vineyard. They carefully select the best fruit from specific blocks within the Beckstoffer vineyards and beyond to highlight the distinct differences between Cabernet clones. These exceptional wines have defined the Schrader brand for decades, captivating wine enthusiasts with their singular charm.

Schrader's wines are highly sought after and produced in limited quantities. The majority of their wines are reserved for their long-standing mailing list members, with a small portion distributed through allocation and a select few auctioned for charity. To acquire Schrader wines at favorable prices, one must join the mailing list or find a reliable retailer. These wines are known for their purity of fruit, rich textures, opulence, concentration, and balance. Powerful yet graceful, they can age beautifully for over 15 years with proper storage.

The Heart of Schrader

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Schrader story is the unwavering continuity of their winemaking team since its inception. The trio of Fred Schrader, Andy Beckstoffer, and Thomas Rivers Brown has nurtured Schrader Cellars into one of Napa's original "cult wines," a legacy that continues to flourish three decades later. For any Napa collector or connoisseur seeking an essential experience, Schrader is an absolute must-have addition to your wine collection or the perfect starting point for your wine journey.

Written by: Craig Headding & Arabella Maislinger