Paul Hobbs, Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena 2018

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard was aged in 70% new oak this vintage, as opposed to 100% as it normally is. Deep garnet-purple in color, it rolls out of the glass with perfumed rose hip tea, fragrant earth and incense scents, giving way to a core of kirsch, blackberry preserves and blackcurrant pastilles plus a touch of iron ore. Full-bodied, rich and seductive, it has exquisitely ripe, finely grained tannins and a refreshing backbone, finishing long and minerally. 882 cases were made.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is silky, sensual and wonderfully open-knit, as wines from this highly regarded St. Helena site can be. Rose petal, crushed red/purplish berry fruit, graphite, spice and mint infuse the 2018 with notable complexity as well as elegance. The 2018 is classic Dr. Crane - finessed and light on its feet. It is still a touch linear in build, just as it was from barrel, but it is also a bit more filled out. The Hobbs Dr. Crane emerges from choice parcels in the A and C blocks.