2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Crane Elysian Reserve
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
A magical, majestic wine, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Elysian is a tiny barrel selection from this First Growth site just outside of Saint Helena. Dense purple-hued with an undeniable Graves-like bouquet of blackcurrants, unsmoked tobacco, damp earth, cedarwood, and iron, it hits the palate with a full-bodied, powerful style that stays light on its feel, flawlessly balanced, and as pure and seamless as they come. From a great vintage, a great terroir, and a great winemaker, it’s still tight and closed on the palate and needs 4-5 years of bottle age, but it will keep for 30-40 years. It’s an incredible wine!
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Elysian Reserve has a black/bluish purple color, extraordinary suppleness and velvety integration of tannin, copious quantities of blueberry and blackberry liqueur, graphite and white flowers. It’s amazing wine and would be the equivalent of a great vintage of a Mission Haut-Brion on steroids. Whether it lasts 20 years or 30 or 40 is still up for speculation, but this is a profound Cabernet Sauvignon and one of the most compelling examples of this remarkable vintage. This is an utterly compelling, prodigious effort. Here’s to you, Mike Smith!
Plenty of blueberry, blackberry, fresh herb and sweet tobacco aromas follow through to a full body, velvety tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Full-throttle yet the breaks are on with a bit chewy tannins.
A fabulous, open-knit, hedonistic wine, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Elysian captures the more exotic, flashy side of this famous St. Helena site. Mocha, espresso, black cherries, smoke, licorice and tobacco flesh out in a totally effortless, unctuous Cabernet. Layers of flavors blossom through to the exuberant finish. There is so much to like and admire here. (AG)
About the producer
Mike Smith is one of Napa’s leading winemakers, crafting top-scoring wines for the likes of Quivet, PerChance, Kindred and Flora Springs. Myriad Cellars is his personal label, run with his wife Leah.