2019 Realm "Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

“A seamless, perfect expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Beckstoffer Dr Crane vineyard on the west side of St. Helena. Expressive, intense minerality gives lift to the pure and vibrant aromas of creamy red cherry, blackberry, plum and currant fruits, further elevated by rose petal florals and garrigue scents. Silken fruit provides a graceful entry, and ultra-fine featherweight tannins build with balletic grace and energy. Decadent creamy dark fruit is enveloping and is complemented by a tapestry of blueberry, tobacco flavours, and a long, linear, persistent mineral-rich finish—such a noble expression of this tremendous California site. (JC)” (02/2023)

“Pure perfection in a glass, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Crane Vineyard is all varietal and comes from this remarkable site just outside St. Helena. A wine that offers incredible richness and depth while staying flawlessly balanced and weightless, it offers up a kaleidoscope-like array of blackcurrants, cassis, tobacco leaf, wildflowers, and scorched earth. As seamless and silky as they come, it has perfect tannins, that rare mix of power and elegance, and a monster of a finish. It doesn’t get any better in this reviewer’s opinion.” (12/2021)

“Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr Crane Vineyard is opaque purple-black colored, prancing out of the glass with vibrant notions of blueberry preserves, black cherry compote and blackcurrant cordial, plus nuances of pencil lead, tapenade, violets, mocha and crushed rocks. The full-bodied palate is built like a brick house, featuring very firm, fine, densely pixilated Dr. Crane tannins and bold freshness supporting layer upon layer of crunchy black berries and minerals, featuring a firework display of fragrant earth and floral notes on the long, long, long finish. Right up there with Napa Valley’s greatest, this is going to be a legendary wine. Give it a good 5-7 years to really fan out and drink it over the next 30 years+. (LPB)” (09/2021)

“Plums and spices with cinnamon and lavender. Lead pencil, too. Medium-bodied and compact palate with cashmere tannins that are long and fresh. Reserved and layered in a subtle way. Drinkable now, but better in 2026.” (03/2022)

“The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is a classic wine from this St. Helena site. Bright, floral and lifted, the Crane is so expressive in 2019. Ripe red/purplish berry fruit, cinnamon, blood orange, mint and rose petal all meld together in the glass. In 2019, the Crane has an extra bit of tannic clout that adds energy as well as drive. It's a gorgeous wine. (AG)” (01/2022)