Wine reviews
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard blew me away. Wet rocks, subtle barbecue smoke, blueberry pie, blackberry and cassis fruit aromas jump from the glass of this inky/purple-colored wine. Oozing with extract and richness, it is full-bodied, opulent, sexy, complex and incredibly delicious and addictive. This stunning 2012 can be drunk now or cellared for another 15+ years. It is interesting to note on the back labels of these wines that alcohol levels range from 14.8% for the Dr. Crane, 15.1% for the Missouri Hopper, and a whopping 15.9% for the To Kalon. These are three great first-growth vineyards from Andy Beckstoffer. The To Kalon is clearly equal to a first-growth Pauillac, the Dr. Crane to a firstgrowth Graves, and the Missouri Hopper remains to be seen, but it is another potentially fabulous site - RP.