Wine reviews
The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Elysian Reserve still seems like a youngster, dense bluish/purple in color with loads of blueberry liqueur, white flowers, graphite and pen ink, it’s full-bodied, stunningly rich and a killer example of this fabulous vineyard that would be a first-growth if there were such a thing in Napa. Drink it over the next 15-20 years.-RP
The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Elysian shows more chocolate and lead pencil notes, in a spicy, earthy style that come across like a great La Mission Haut-Brion. Rich blueberry and blackberry fruit, a full-bodied mouthfeel, low acidity and ripe tannin are luxurious, if not extravagant. Drink it over the next 15-20 years.-RP
Unquestionably the largest scaled and most concentrated in the lineup, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Elysian is a deep, unctuous, yet incredibly elegant beauty that does everything right. Its inky purple color is followed by heavenly notes of crème de cassis, blueberry liqueur, burning embers and dark chocolate. It picks up a floral edge with time in the glass, has sensational depth and richness, and a seamless finish, all while playing in the more forward style of the vintage. Drink it anytime over the coming two decades of more. – JD