Wine reviews
A rich, polished style, with waves of warm cassis and plum sauce underscored by licorice root and warm earth. Shows a swath of dark tobacco and warm earth on the finish, which works beautifully with the fruit. Best from 2024 through 2038. 898 cases made. – JM
Needing plenty of air to show at its best, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is a sensational, gorgeous Napa Valley Cabernet that delivers the goods like only this region can. Pure Cabernet magic on the nose, with deep blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, lead pencil, and a kiss of spring flowers as well as a beautiful Pessac-Leognan-like scorched earth character, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, silky tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. It's one of those wines that builds incrementally on the palate and it's only after the second or third sip that you realize how special this wine is. It also offers that rare mix of power and elegance that's the hallmark of all great wines. It needs a couple hours in the decanter if drinking any time soon. It will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and cruise for 20-30 years in cold cellars. Hats off to Paul Hobbs for an incredible Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. – JD
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard offers up alluring notes of red raspberries and cherries, accented by hints of baking spices, mocha and dried herbs. There's even a slightly dusty, savory note, like wind-blown or rain-splashed earth on fresh-picked fruit, and a subtle tinge of pencil shavings. Full-bodied yet fresh, with a supple feel and fine-grained tannins, this is already approachable, yet it finishes with enough length and softly dusty tannins to think it will still be drinking well in 2040. 898 cases made. – Joe Czerwinski
Sporting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard (a barrel sample) rolls effortlessly out of the glass with vibrant scents of freshly crushed black cherries, warm plums and blueberry compote leading to notes of cassis, chocolate box, star anise and tapenade. The densely laden, full-bodied palate is jam-packed with black and blue fruit preserves and lots of exotic spice nuances, supported by velvety tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with fantastic length and that signature minerally kick. Impressive. 800 cases are due to be made. – LPB