2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras
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Tasting notes
The 2019 Las Piedras is a breath-taking wine – from start to finish it is difficult to fault. The aromas are scintillating – a mix of graphite, green scented herbs, very pure red and black-toned fruit, and peppery spice from oak that is totally integrated. The palate is remarkably condensed, compacted, bursting with energy while paradoxically remaining perfectly measured. There is nothing overpowering about the wine, the tannins are detailed and bring so much freshness. This is about as intellectually stimulating as Cabernet gets and showcases the extraordinary terroir, vintage and winemaking talent at this estate.
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Coming from a rockier site no more than a stone's throw from Dr. Crane Vineyard, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard is more meaty and savory, with lots of red and black fruits as well as loads of rocky, earthy minerality, spring flower, tobacco, and lead pencil-like nuances. Just beautifully balanced on the palate, it's full-bodied and elegant, with silky tannins, no hard edges, and one incredible finish. It's more red-fruited than the Dr. Crane, yet it has a similar ethereal, weightless style that makes it such a joy to drink, even today. Given its balance, purity, and freshness, I have no doubt it will evolve for 25+ years, and I'm probably underrating it by a point.
A bit further west than the Dr. Crane Vineyard, with more slope, bigger rocks and a bit more protection from the afternoon sun, this vineyard has yielded a stunning 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard. It leads off with scents of cedar and baking spices, then backs those up with notes of black cherries and cassis. Full-bodied, richly textured and tannic but ripe, this finishes long, with mouthwatering fruit balanced against silky tannins. Give it a few years in the cellar and drink it over the next couple of decades. 392 cases produced.
Coming from a rockier site no more than a stone’s throw from Dr. Crane Vineyard, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras is more meaty and savory, with lots of red and black fruits as well as loads of rocky, earthy minerality, spring flower, tobacco, and lead pencil-like nuances. Just beautifully balanced on the palate, it's full-bodied and elegant, with silky tannins, no hard edges, and one incredible finish. It's more red fruited than the Dr. Crane, yet it has a similar ethereal, weightless style that makes it such a joy to drink, even today. Given its balance, purity, and freshness, I have no doubt it will evolve for 25+ years, and I'm probably underrating it by a point.
About the producer
Paul Hobbs is one of California wine’s biggest names. Twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker, he joined Robert Mondavi in 1977, worked at Opus One and Simi before setting up his eponymous winery in 1991.