2016 Arrow & Branch Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Winemaker Notes:  This expression of pure Cabernet is youthful and sweet. Built to develop with time, this wine has blueberries, blackberries and cherries as baked into a rich pie. It's aromatic with notes of vanilla, anise and clove. A floral touch of fresh black pepper adds aromatic diversity. It's inky yet well balanced and long. Slight dusty character and subtle notes of black tea are reminiscent of California's cabernet growing legacy of which this historical vineyard is a cornerstone.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "Composed of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot (co-fermented) and aged for 20 months in 85% new French oak, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard delivers a super intense nose of crushed blackcurrant, blackberries, kirsch and black cherries with hints of menthol, violets, chocolate box, iron ore and fragrant earth. Full, firm and grainy, the palate gives layer upon layer of earth and mineral flavors and finishes very long and earthy."


Jeb Dunnuck - "In the same league, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Crane Vineyard is another nearly off-the-charts effort from this estate. A co-fermented blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot that spent 22 months in new barrels, its saturated purple color is followed by a Haut Brion-like bouquet of smoke tobacco, graphite, blackcurrants, licorice, and assorted herbal aromas and flavors. Rich, powerful, and full-bodied on the palate, it’s locked and loaded, yet needs 2-4 years of bottle age. Don’t miss this magical Cabernet Sauvignon! Rating: 97+"


James Suckling - "Finally, a Napa cabernet that manages to balance the sweet fruit this region so easily gives with fine, moderately dry tannins, plus lively acidity. Plenty of flowers, as well as bright berries and a complex texture through the long, silky finish. And it tastes like the wine has a lot less than the actual 14.8 per cent alcohol. Drink or hold."