2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr Crane Vineyard
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Tasting notes
(blended with 6% petit verdot) Bright ruby-red. Scented aromas of red cherry, flowers and tobacco. Sweet, lush and creamy, in a distinctly soft, fruit-driven style. There's very good fat to the flavors of red cherry and raspberry. A concentrated, sexy wine that finishes with pliant, sweet tannins. This one spent just 25 days on its skins, while the other 2005s here got up to 45 days of maceration, noted winemaker Mike Hirby.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A seamless beauty, the dense ruby/purple-colored 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard, from a St.-Helena site, reveals notes of black currants, sweet cherries, cedar, and roasted herbs. Balanced and full-bodied with exceptional density, high glycerin, sweet tannin, and a long finish, it should easily last for 15 or more years. Previously recommended: 2004 The Bard (94), 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon (94), 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Farella Vineyard (91), 2004 The Tempest (91). Tel. (707) 967-0226; Fax (707) 967-0227
(from vines planted to the low-yielding California Clone 6, on alluvial gravel) Good medium ruby. Rocky, roasted aromas of black cherry, cassis and menthol. Concentrated, silky and sweet, with youthful black fruit and menthol flavors and good inner-mouth energy. Chewy and tight on the back end, with fine-grained tannins and lovely vinosity. Quite pure, primary and long.
About the producer
Realm Cellars has become one of Napa Valley’s most compelling modern estates, known for site-driven Cabernet Sauvignon. Drawing from some of the valley’s most sought-after vineyards, Realm’s wines consistently earn top critical acclaim while remaining firmly rooted in place.