Wine reviews
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Lithology Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard has to be one of the finest wines I've tasted from this vineyard. All varietal, this glass-staining beauty offers a gorgeous perfume of crème de cassis, smoked black fruits, dark chocolate, and a terrific sense of minerality, with background oak and graphite. Rich, full-bodied, and powerful, yet with sweet tannins, flawless balance, and that rare mix of richness and elegance, it needs to be tasted to be believed. Hide bottles for 4-5 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following two decades. – JD
If any of Napa’s iconic vineyards come as close to delivering the kind of ironstone mineral and dusty tannin as Dr. Crane, it might be Beckstoffer’s Las Piedras. Winemaker Matt Sands has ushered in an entire lineup of terrifically fresh and exuberant 2021s, and this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is right in the pocket. Oozing with succulent blackberry fruit, graphite, and crunchy cranberry, the full-bodied palate is framed by crisp tannins tart and tangy blood orange acidity. It is wholly expressive of wild herbs, dusty minerals and crushed dried violets. At 15.1%, there’s no sign of heat, just balance, integration, and a racy quality that makes you want to return for more. – JC
In comparison to the Dr. Crane, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Lithology Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard is more floral and elegant, yet still brings that classic Lithology richness and sexiness. Cassis, crushed flowers, violets, and camphor define the bouquet, and it's full-bodied, with great tannins and the balance and depth to evolve for 25-30 years. – JD