Wine reviews
Absolutely off the charts in every way, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Elysian is a tiny selection made from the Grand Cru site just outside of St. Helena. Ultra-pure notes of crème de cassis, iron, graphite, chocolate, and a Haut-Brion-like scorched earth character all soar from this magical wine. Possessing full-bodied richness, a deep, layered, flawlessly balanced mouthfeel, and ultra-fine tannins, it just doesn't get any better. Count yourself lucky if you're able to latch onto a few bottles. (There are a scant 200 cases.) It deserves 4-5 years in the cellar and will cruise over the following 2-3 decades. Hats off to Mike Smith for an absolutely world-class wine.
As with the Empyrean release, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Elysian is a best barrel selection, and it's more reserved and inward compared to the single vineyard, with pure cassis, blueberry, violets, and smoked tobacco aromas and flavors. With plenty of classy background oak, full body, flawless balance, and that rare mix of power and elegance, this is going to need 4-5 years of bottle age to develop additional complexity and will have 20-25 years of overall longevity. It's up with the top handful of wines in the vintage.