2011 Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is super-impressive. Pliant and generous on the palate, the 2011 offers notable depth, no hard edges and fabulous purity of fruit, all extremely rare at this level in 2011, a cold, late-ripening vintage. Then again, Dr. Crane, a valley site in St. Helena, is one of Napa Valley's top vineyards. Sweet red plum, rose petal, spice and mint wrap around the open-knit finish.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(15.1% alcohol): Bright ruby-red. Aromas of cassis, blueberry, menthol and wild herbs are lifted by violet and minerals. Densely packed, sweet and lush, but with a firm edge of peppery herbs to the dark berry and tobacco leaf flavors. In a distinctly Medoc style in its inner-mouth aromatic perfume. Shuts down on the end. This will merit an outstanding rating if it expands with time in bottle.
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is the most concentrated of these three 2011s, revealing notes of wet rocks and blue fruits, medium to full-bodied flavors, good richness and depth, and just a slight shortness in the finish. Drink it over the next 10 years. Tel. (707) 287-1630
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.