Wine reviews
The 2018 Cabernet Franc Lithology Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard checks in as 92% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon that, like the To Kalon Cabernet Franc, was fermented in a mix of tank and puncheons and spent 20 months in 68% new French oak. It has a slightly darker, more earthy style in its blackcurrants, dark chocolate, leafy herbs, smoked earth, and truffle-like aromatics. These carry to a full-bodied red with perfect balance, beautiful tannins, and just everything in the right place. It’s going to benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and should keep for two decades. – JD
The 2018 Lithology Cabernet Franc Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard has a deep garnet-purple color and drop-dead gorgeous notes of kirsch, blackberry preserves, redcurrant jelly and raspberry leaves, with suggestions of pencil shavings, wild thyme and tilled soil. The full-bodied palate is tightly wound with red and black berry layers intertwined with mineral accents and framed by firm, grainy tannins, finishing long and lifted. – LPB