2010 Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon

Saturated bright ruby. Pungent, expressive nose combines cassis, blueberry, licorice, violet, bitter chocolate, minerals and pepper. Juicy on entry, then quite tight and firm in the middle palate, with terrific energy to the cassis and graphite flavors. Finishes with a serious tannic spine and bright acidity. A classic example of a very fresh vintage, this wine will need at least six to eight years in the cellar. Winemaker Mike Smith told me he loves 2010, describing the vintage as "right in my wheelhouse" owing to its rare combination of power and finesse.

With the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Myriad succeeds in expressing their rich, voluptuous style while avoiding the excess heaviness found in some of the other wines in the lineup. Raspberry jam, freshly cut flowers and sweet spices are all woven together nicely in this intensely perfumed, articulate Cabernet Sauvignon. Layers of super-ripe red fruit run through the racy finish. This is a terrific effort from Myriad.