Wine reviews
The more earthy side of the Beckstoffer portfolio is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard. Damp earth, unsmoked cigar tobacco, underbrush, forest floor, blackcurrants and black cherries are all present in this wine, which offers great fruit, plenty of minerality, and a multi-dimensional, layered mouthfeel. It should drink well for 25 years. - RP
I will keep my tasting notes for the barrel samples of 2013 red wines short since they will be reviewed from bottle next year, but it looks to be the finest overall vintage for Alpha Omega to date, even eclipsing what they accomplished in 2012. There are several candidates for perfection, including the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane and the 2013 Proprietary Red Blend ERA. Right behind them are some other killer examples, including the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras, 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III, 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon, 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Stagecoach Vineyard and the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper. Even the 2013 Proprietary Red Blend Nuance, which is meant to be their more delicate, Margaux-like Cabernet, should turn out to be as good as the 2012. By and large, one sees super-richness, purity, intensity and depth in these 2013s, with even more delineation and tannin than the 2012s. It will be a great vintage, resulting in two fabulous back-to-back vintages for Alpha Omega.
Rich and full-bodied, with a strong mix of dark berry, anise, gravel and spicy oak notes. Notable for the loamy earth accents and gravelly texture on the finish. Best from 2019 through 2029. 250 cases made. – JL