Wine reviews
This version is well-packed with dark currant, fig and boysenberry compote flavors, supported by hints of charcoal, roasted apple wood and warm earth. Muscular and grippy, with an espresso crema accent on the finish. For fans of the big, muscular style. Best from 2024 through 2038. 500 cases made. – JM
In the same ballpark quality-wise as the 2018, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard is more open and sexy, with a mostly opaque ruby/plum color as well as a great bouquet of ripe red and black currants, lead pencil shavings, spice box, tobacco, and hints of violets. Incredibly perfumed and already complex, it's full-bodied on the palate, has a round, expansive mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and a great finish. As with many 2019s, it doesn't have the precision of the 2018 yet brings more mid-palate flesh and density. It's a beautiful, layered, rich, yet also elegant Cabernet Sauvignon to enjoy over the coming 20 years. – JD
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard epitomizes the current state of plush, valley floor Napa Cabernet. From a famous Oakville site nestled up against the Mayacamas, it's 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (Clones 4 and 337) yet wonderfully lush and velvety. Cassis and black cherry fruit is cosseted by 100% new French oak, adding gentle vanilla and cedar nuances on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is really deep and intense yet manages to be soft and elegant on the long, mouthwatering finish. –Joe Czerwinski