Wine reviews
Beautifully crafted, this sleek version is focused on snappy red and dark berry flavors, with dusty earth accents and seductive cedar- and mocha-accented oak. Glides along gracefully on the finish. Drink now through 2030. 752 cases made. – JL
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard has a Mission Haut-Brion-on-steroids character, as it seems to be all gravel pit. Loads of wet pebbles, graphite, blueberry and blackberry fruit, a full-bodied opulence, and just a killer, skyscraper-like mouthfeel and stunning finish make for one of the most provocative and fabulous wines in this portfolio. Drink it over the next 25+ years. This is world-class and can stand up against anything made in 2013, as could the following wines as well. Paul Hobbs has emerged as one of the great success stories in Northern California. He’s an international consultant known for his outstanding work in Argentina. He is also now involved in a joint venture in the Finger Lakes region of New York, so hopefully we can anticipate some interesting Rieslings and possibly Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Blanc and even Gewurztraminer emerging from New York State. I had an extensive tasting with Hobbs at his winery in late January, and the results were all impressive. The tastings reflect the fact that, for Chardonnay, both 2013 and 2014 are brilliant vintages, and for Pinot Noir, 2014 may possibly eclipse 2013. As for the Bordeaux varietals, there’s no question that 2013 is the game-changer, as I indicated in previous reports, but 2014 is delicious and another top-notch success. - RP
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane is once again a sort of a La Mission Haut-Brion on steroids. Great minerality, blue fruits and an almost smokey earthiness pervades the broad, full-bodied, opulent flavors. Again, great purity, density and truly a fabulous success story are all part of this magnificent wine. This should easily rival the To Kalon in terms of quality. 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. – RP