Wine reviews
At the center of this robust effort is a ripe sweetness to the fruit that helps push past the raw, chewy tannins. Shows some heat as well, reflective of the ripe dark berry character. Dried herb and cedary oak accents form the perimeter. Drink now through 2028. 150 cases made. –JL
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Elysian Reserve is certainly a puff and a whisper away from pure perfection. Absolutely compelling Cabernet Sauvignon (100% of that varietal), the wine has an opaque purple color, a beautiful set of aromatics that include a spring flower garden, blueberry, mulberry and blackberry fruit, a glorious display of fruit, flawlessly integrated wood tannin, alcohol and acidity. The finish goes on for a good 40-50 seconds. These are not wimpish wines at 15.1% alcohol, but that’s well-concealed, and makes a mockery of the high-octane, anti-alcohol, pleasure police who would rather pontificate than actually taste. This is a modern-day classic and a tour de force. Drink it over the next 20 years. I found it hard to spit this one out. 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
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Reserve reveals a similar dense ruby/purple color, but is slightly richer with more intense minerality. Mouth-coating, teeth-staining, full-bodied and opulent, it should age effortlessly for 20+ years. - RP