Tasting Notes
Vinous 89+
Inky purple. Restrained aromas of cherry pit, cassis and musky underbrush, with a hint of peppery spices in the background. Offers bitter cherry and blackcurrant on the palate and picks up a smoky quality with air. Finishes with impressive thrust and chewy tannins that slowly clamp things down. Decidedly clenched and a tough read right now.
Robert Parker 90
The single vineyard offerings include the elegant 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard, an impressive wine exhibiting a dense ruby/purple color, creamy richness, lots of creme de cassis, licorice and forest floor, a complete palate from the attack to the finish with no holes, vegetal characteristics or astringency. While less powerful than this cuvee can be in a great vintage, it still delivers the goods. Drink it over the next decade. Looking at several 2012 barrel samples reinforces the true greatness of this vintage in Napa Valley. The first-growth Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard in the hands of Paul Hobbs can be magical and I had high expectations for the 2012 version. Tel. (707) 824-9879
Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023