2009 Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
Full ruby-red. Deeper, darker and less expressive on the nose than the George III example, but also riper and more chocolatey. Densely packed and lively, showing excellent vinosity and a light peppery/herbal pungency to its dark berry, mineral and licorice flavors. A bit sweeter and richer in the mid-palate than the George III and longer on the back end, with more buffering material for its tannins. With a penetrating, rising finish, this Cabernet is evolving slowly. Proprietor/winemaker Mike Smith works with Cabernet clone 337 in both the Dr. Crane and George III vineyards. (15.1% alcohol)
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
An exotic, voluptuous wine, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard wraps around the palate with serious depth. The 2009 is big, full-bodied and super-intense. It doesn't have the aromatic high register of the 2010, but instead has more depth and immediacy. Waves of fruit build to a huge, enveloping finish.
An exotic, voluptuous wine, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard wraps around the palate with serious depth. The 2009 is big, full-bodied and super-intense. It doesn’t have the aromatic high register of the 2010, but instead has more depth and immediacy. Waves of fruit build to a huge, enveloping finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. Mike and Leah Smith’s Myriad Cellars is an up and coming winery worth keeping an eye on. Mike Smith also makes the wines at Carter. I have every reason to think he will establish the same level of quality here. Tel. (707) 287-1630
(a blend of four Darnajou and two Taransaud barrels): Bright deep ruby. Aromas of cassis, blackberry, licorice and cocoa powder. Extremely primary and dense, with a salty complexity to the rich flavors of crushed berries, violet and bitter chocolate. Big, rich and tactile wine, finishing with serious but noble tannins and a lingering note of dark chocolate. A bit lower in pH than the Georges III but every bit as sexy today in spite of its youth.
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.