Wine reviews
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard (a barrel sample) features bold notions of redcurrant jelly, freshly crushed blackcurrants, kirsch and pencil lead with touches of garrigue, fragrant earth and yeast extract plus a compelling ferrous waft. Medium-bodied, the palate is elegantly played with great freshness and well-balanced, ripe, fine-grained tannins supporting the bright, energetic fruit, finishing long and minerally. – LPB
This has energy and intensity, with bramble-edged plum, blackberry and boysenberry paste flavors that saturate without being heavy, backed by anise and apple wood on the well-defined finish. A late flash of iron adds the final touch. Sneaky long. Best from 2022 through 2038. 882 cases made. – J.M