Wine reviews
Aromas of red candy, anise and wild berry gain depth and focus, persisting on the finish, where the flavors linger. Drink now through 2025. 760 cases made.
Of the three Beckstoffer Vineyards, it’s pretty much a joyride as to which one readers may prefer. The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard of St. Helena is a knockout: a broad, opulent, round Cabernet fruitbomb with lots of cassis, incense, and blackberry. The wine is full-bodied, generously endowed with terrific purity, texture and length. This is a star and, believe it or not, it’s come in well under 15% natural alcohol. This beauty can be drunk now or cellared for 15 or more years. From one of Northern California’s most accomplished and respected wine consultants and producers, the 2012s and 2013s will create high expectations, and readers are unlikely to be disappointed by Paul Hobbs and his team.
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard exhibits an opaque blue/purple color, a wonderful bouquet of blueberries, black raspberries and cassis, an opulent, multilayered, rich, intense mouthfeel, good minerality, no evidence of new oak and a long finish. Full-bodied and pure with exceptionally sweet, velvety tannins, it should drink well for 15+ years. Looking at several 2012 barrel samples reinforces the true greatness of this vintage in Napa Valley. The first-growth Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard in the hands of Paul Hobbs can be magical and I had high expectations for the 2012 version.