Wine reviews

October 2014

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper’s dense ruby/purple color is followed by notes of lead pencil shavings, crème de cassis, incense and camphor. Well-made, full-bodied and opulent, it is already drinking well, but it should age effortlessly for 15+ years. Swiss-born Jean Hoefliger had plenty of experience in Bordeaux and working with Michel Rolland at Newton Vineyards before taking over the reins at Alpha Omega. He has hit pay-dirt with the 2012s, the finest vintage I have tasted from this ambitious winery located on Route 29, south of St. Helena. They have some great vineyard sources for their Cabernet Sauvignon, particularly the range of Beckstoffer-owned, first-growth quality sites spread throughout Napa. -RP