Wine reviews
Sourcing for the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard GIII continues to be from clone 337 in the vineyard's F block, with maturation in 100% new French oak. Ripe cherries are joined by herbal shadings and a mélange of dried spices on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is plush and creamy, with a tremendously long finish. Really seductive stuff, this is already approachable yet seems to have the balance and concentration to drink well for up to 20 years. – JC
Reminding me of a great vintage of Chateau Mouton Rothschild, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard boasts a dense purple hue as well as a gorgeous array of ripe black fruits, olive, smoke tobacco, chocolate, and lead pencil shavings. As with all these latest Schrader releases, it's concentrated and impeccably balanced on the palate, with a layered opulence as well as velvety tannins. The purity of fruit here is off the charts. I wouldn't turn down a glass now, but this will benefit from 4-5 years in the cellar and cruise over the following two decades or more. It's an incredibly complete, balanced, seamless wine from winemaker Thomas Brown. - J.D.
While the 2021s are still pulled primarily from Beckstoffer fruit, Schrader will be moving to all Mondavi farmed fruit starting in 2022. The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard is up with the crème de la crème from this historic site and has that classic, almost Bordeaux-like style in its darker currant fruits, smoked tobacco, lead pencil, and chocolaty oak-driven aromatics. With full-bodied richness, ripe yet building tannins, and a great finish, it's going to warrant 4-5 years (or more) of bottle age and keep for 25+. - J.D.
A dense and winey style, with cassis, blackberry and plum preserve notes backed by good energy in the form of a touch of bramble, sparkles of licorice snap and a whiff of violet. Stays vivid and engaging from start to finish. This is rock solid. Best from 2025 through 2042. 275 cases made.