Wine reviews
Packs a toasty frame that guides a core of warm plum, açaí and blackberry compote along, with black licorice and mulling spices on the finish. Drink now through 2032. 325 cases made. – JM
Even better, the 225-case 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard Empyrean is a barrel selection made by winemaker Mike Smith. It has more deep, base notes of blackcurrants, cassis, ripe tobacco, black tea, and chocolate. These all carry to a full-bodied, seamless, incredibly sexy 2019 with velvety tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish. It already has up-front appeal, yet I have no doubt it will evolve for 20-25 years. – JD
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Empyrean is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a little coaxing to release notes of blackcurrant preserves, baked black plums and mulberries, plus underlying hints of Indian spice, fragrant earth and wild sage. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house with firm, ripe, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness to support the muscular fruit, finishing long and earthy. – LPB
AS with the Elysian, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard Empyrean is a tiny barrel selection from this larger vineyard in Rutherford. A similar nose of ripe black fruits, tobacco leaf, chocolate, and gravelly earth notes give way to a full-bodied, pure, balanced, nicely structured Cabernet That’s going to warrant 3- 5 years of bottle age. – JD