2022 Realm Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

A big, muscular wine, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr Crane Vineyard is loaded with black cherry fruit and graced by hints of dark chocolate and mocha. It's the last vintage to include a smidgeon of Petit Verdot (4%), a full-bodied, richly tannic but ripe effort, with a long, harmonious finish.

Another wine showing a fresher, juicy style, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard comes from unquestionably one of the finest vineyards in Napa Valley. This deep purple-hued effort offers a lively nose of ripe plums, chocolate, violets, and graphite, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate with fine, nicely integrated tannins, terrific overall balance, and outstanding length. It's a touch more reserved compared to the To Kalon, so give bottles a few years. It should evolve gracefully through at least 2037.

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is terrific. It shows the natural richness of the year, but its balance is better vis-à-vis the To Kalon, as evidenced by the lifted, bright aromatics and mid-palate pliancy. I admire the energy and vibrancy here. Rose petal, lavender, spice and blood orange are beautifully amplified. Bright acids pull it all together on the close. The Dr. Crane is one the finer wines in the range this year.