Wine reviews
Shows steeped plum, boysenberry and blackberry fruit that has a slightly exotic feel, carried by a caressing structure and backed by generous warm cocoa and melted black licorice. Delivers just enough brambly energy on the finish to keep things honest. Drink now through 2033. 839 cases made. – J.M.
Picked on September 23, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard matured in 85% new French oak. It's medium to full-bodied, with bright cherries framed by cedar. Slightly coarse and open-knit in texture, with a grainy mouthfeel, it finishes a bit tart. To be fair, these are quibbles in the context of the vintage, which only suffers when compared to the several preceding years; it's still an excellent wine. – JC
One of the finest wines I was able to taste in the vintage is the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard, a deep, inky-hued 2020 with lots of black and blue fruits as well as Graves-like scorched earth, tobacco, and smoked herbs. Full-bodied, concentrated, and opulent, it has ripe tannins, a round, mouth-filling texture, and outstanding length. It's going to evolve for 15 years. -J.D.