Wine reviews
The initial mix of loamy earth, road tar, cedar and tobacco notes makes way for a dense core of dark berry fruit, with touches of dried herb, licorice, mocha and toasty oak, showing some heat as well. Big and angular now, but should reward with time in the cellar. Drink now through 2028. 200 cases made. –JL
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard (a separate cuvée is the Elysian Reserve from the same source) has first-growth blueberry, blackberry and an almost a celestial floral note combined with forest floor and uncommon concentration and purity. Stunningly seamless, full-bodied, rich, and a brilliant wine, this should drink effortlessly for 15-20 years. This project of winemaker Mike Smith has started off with somewhat audacious, fascinating wines. I don’t know what the general alcohol levels are in his 2013s, but I suspect they are very much in keeping with what Myriad did in 2012: 14.9-15.1%. Kudos to Mike Smith. RP
Gloriously sweet, concentrated fruit aromas jump from the glass of the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard. Yes, this could be called a Napa fruit bomb, but that’s the style of the vintage. With velvety tannins, enormous fruit, plenty of power and stunning purity, this prodigious, young Cabernet Sauvignon should have quite a future. - RP