2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr Crane Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Very early harvest. Mature crimson. Sweet, dark chocolate notes. Hint of blue cheese (really!) and coffee. Takes a bit of getting used to for a European palate – and this is the first vintage of a vertical up to 2012 I am tackling. A bit of a hole in the middle with the oak encasement in evidence. My mark is for effort. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Good deep red. Cassis, chocolate, licorice and a floral topnote on the nose; shows an almost roasted ripeness. Highly concentrated, silky and supersweet, with the chocolate and loam flavors that characterize cabernet from this gravelly soil in a warm site. Chunky, substantial wine, finishing with big but fairly fine tannins.
From a St. Helena vineyard, the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Crane Vineyard (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) boasts tremendous fruit and ripeness along with hints of graphite, espresso roast, blackberries, creme de cassis, and spice. This rich, concentrated, prodigious effort should be enjoyed between 2008-2020+. (Release date 9/06) Tel. (707) 824-9879; Fax (707) 824-5843
(these vines were planted in the early '90s; this fruit previously went into Hobbs Napa Valley bottling) Good medium ruby. Aromas of blackcurrant, licorice and menthol. Sweeter, fleshier and more pliant than the Napa Valley bottling, but not more concentrated. Flavor of roasted currant. Finishes with big, chewy, slightly drying tannins.
About the producer
Paul Hobbs is one of California wine’s biggest names. Twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker, he joined Robert Mondavi in 1977, worked at Opus One and Simi before setting up his eponymous winery in 1991.