Wine reviews
Polished, with a rounded feel from start to finish, featuring warmed fig, blackberry and plum preserve flavors that roll through, plus chocolate and sweet tobacco notes. Shows a smoldering hint on the finish, as the fruit lingers steadily. Drink now through 2034. 330 cases made. – JM
Very deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Lithology Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard charges out of the gate with intense scents of chocolate-covered cherries, blueberry compote and crème de cassis, leading to nuances of star anise, mocha, black olives and iron ore. The decadently rich, full-bodied palate packs an impressive punch, delivering impactful black and blue fruit preserves with loads of mineral and exotic spice layers, supported by fine-grained tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with epic length. – LPB
Possibly the wine of the vintage, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Lithology Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is another incredible wine from this estate that has everything: stunning complexity, full-bodied richness, flawless balance, and incredible length. Revealing a dense purple color as well as Graves-like notes of blackcurrants, cold fireplace, graphite, chocolate, and smoked tobacco, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, flawless balance, and ultra-fine tannins. Based on 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc that was brought up 20 months in 70% new French oak, this thrilling 2018 offers pleasure today yet will evolve for 30-40+ years. Hats off to the team at Alejandro Bulgheroni! – JD
The 2018 Lithology Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard comes from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon harvested on October 6. It fermented in oak and puncheon and aged in 75% new French oak. A barrel sample with a deep purple-black color, it is a little closed, opening to reveal pencil lead, cast-iron pan and pain grille scents over a blackcurrant core with wafts of kirsch, wild blueberries, sautéed herbs and charcuterie. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is concentrated and firm with a grainy texture and loads of freshness, very tightly knit and multilayered, finishing mineral-laced. – LPB