Winemaker Notes
The 2016 Beckstoffer Dr. Crane remains true to the unflinching and potent character of this special site. A striking personality replete with black and red currants, violet, plum chutney, and bittersweet chocolate is supported by a firm foundation of seductive, dusty tannins and a mouth-coating texture. A 30 minute decant reveals an additional expanse of savory-sweet herbs, torrefaction, and mocha accents to deliver a deeply gratifying, long-lasting finish.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
This first growth terroir has yielded another perfect wine, and the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr Crane couldn’t be any better in this reviewer’s opinion. Possessing a Haut Brion-like minerality, tobacco, and fireplace aromatics, with thrilling fruit, this monumental effort hits the palate with full-bodied richness and depth, off-the-charts purity, a deep, layered, multi-dimensional texture, and incredible poise and precision. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that saw the standard extended maceration and 20 months in new barrels, give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy over the following 2+ decades.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard, aged for 20 months in 100% new French oak, is deep garnet-purple colored and opens with the most beguiling nose of crushed black cherries, mulberries and plum preserves with layers of cassis, dark chocolate, violets and black olives plus a hint of cigar box. Big, rich, bold and decadent in the mouth, the palate is very youthful with tons of primary layers framed by super ripe tannins and culminating in a finish that just goes on and on. 150 cases produced.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.