Wine reviews
An elegant style, firm, ripe, intense and vibrant, this is well-focused on a beam of blackberry and wild berry flavors, with touches of mineral and black licorice, ending with subtle, detailed pockets of flavor. Drink now through 2019. 210 cases made. -- J. L.
The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard (92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot) comes from a gravelly site on the west side of Highway 29. Gun flint, crushed rock, blueberry, black currant, violet, and subtle wood characteristics are accompanied by a deep, full-bodied, stunningly rich, well-proportioned Cabernet with well-integrated tannin. It should evolve for two decades or more. An outstanding, small, high quality winery that did not make it into my Napa report in issue #186, Realm has turned out a beautiful portfolio of 2007 reds, all of which are made at Chateau Boswell in Napa Valley. The innovative blends (all dedicated to William Shakespeare) are of very high quality