Wine reviews

November 2020

This pulls no punches, with a lush, dark, richly fruited display of warm fig, steeped blackberry and mulled black currant flavors, while notes of baker's chocolate, tobacco and warm cast iron fill in on the finish. Shows plenty of heft, but maintains definition and focus. An impressive effort for the vintage. Best from 2022 through 2038. 307 cases made. – J.M

October 2018

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard (a barrel sample) is deep purple-black in color with a nose of warm blackberries, cassis and redcurrant jelly with touches of spice box and dusty soil plus a waft of garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, firm and with great vibrancy, it has a chewy texture and long earthy finish. 400 cases are expected to be made. – LPB