Carte Blanche 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer , Napa Valley – 97 Points

Helen Keplinger Winemaker:  “The nose leaps from the glass showing violets, red currant, black cherry, and boysenberry, underpinned by savory graphite, lead pencil and tobacco. Ultra-silky on the palate, showing high notes of red currant and hints of cherry, to dark fruited blackberry and boysenberry, all seamlessly integrated with forest floor, graphite and spice box woven through the everlasting finish. “

Robert Parker 97 Points: “The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard epitomizes the current state of plush, valley-floor Napa Cabernet. From a famous Oakville site nestled up against the Mayacamas, it’s 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (Clones 4 and 337) yet wonderfully lush and velvety. Cassis and black cherry fruit is cosseted by 100% new French oak, adding gentle vanilla and cedar nuances on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is really deep and intense yet manages to be soft and elegant on the long, mouthwatering finish.”

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points: “Sauvignon Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard is more open and sexy, with a mostly opaque ruby/plum color as well as a great bouquet of ripe red and black currants, lead pencil shavings, spice box, tobacco, and hints of violets. Incredibly perfumed and already complex, it’s full-bodied on the palate, has a round, expansive mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and a great finish. As with many 2019s, it doesn’t have the precision of the 2018 yet brings more mid-palate flesh and density. It’s a beautiful, layered, rich, yet also elegant Cabernet Sauvignon to enjoy over the coming 20 years.”