2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The series of outstanding Cabernets from Alpha Omega starts with their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa, which offers plenty of blueberry and blackberry fruit, some creosote and charcoal, and a touch of background, toasty oak in a full-bodied, opulent, fleshy and pure style. It should drink nicely for 12-15 years. A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot and the rest Merlot is the 2013 Proprietary Red wine, which is all sourced from Napa. Again, terrific up-front fruit – blueberries, blackberries and cassis – an opaque purple color, and hints of cedar wood, forest floor and incense are all present in this multi-layered, rich, concentrated wine, which should also drink well for 12-15 years.

Always coming across like a Napa version of a Pessac-Léognan because of the wet pebbles, smoky barbecue and stony notes, which give it a striking minerality, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard exhibits more blueberry, black raspberry and licorice. It again offers full-bodied, super-concentrated flavors that are pure, stunningly intense, and a total hedonistic and intellectual turn-on. This wine also needs 3-4 years of cellaring and should keep for up to three decades. 96+ (RP)

Racy and voluptuous in the glass, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane is another wine that is showing very well today. A host of dark fleshed red fruits, flowers and spices are pushed forward, all with the soft contours that are so typical of this site in St. Helena. There is a lot to like in this bold, sumptuous Cabernet Sauvignon. (AG)