Press

"The palate is seamlessly integrated, with great depth yet no heaviness, tannins that melt in the mouth, excellent mineral tension and a very long finish. This is purely excellent."

"...full-bodied and impeccably polished..yet the wine remains beautifully balanced by a refreshing acidity that adds a vibrant lift...one of the finest expressions from Beckstoffer To Kalon in this vintage."

"Full-bodied and silky, it's remarkably seamless from front to back, with softly dusty tannins emerging on the lingering finish. This is really impressive stuff."

"...reveals classic exotic red and blue fruits, flowery incense, lead pencil, and chocolaty nuances. It's full-bodied and has a pure, lush, layered mouthfeel with velvety, polished tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. I love it today yet see no reason this won't keep for 20-25+ years." 

"It comes tearing out of the glass with flamboyant notes of crushed black currants, black cherries, and juicy raspberries, plus suggestions of bay leaves, camphor, crushed rocks, and cinnamon stick. The full-bodied palate is bright and intense, with a firm, grainy textured backbone and a lively line defining the long, spicy finish..."

"...a captivating array of aromas, featuring blueberries, ripe blackberries, and dark cherries, intertwined with floral notes of violets and intriguing hints of exotic spices. On the palate, this wine is full-bodied and impeccably polished, boasting a ripe, sweet core that showcases its density and concentration. The opulence and depth are remarkable, yet the wine remains beautifully balanced by a refreshing acidity that adds a vibrant lift..."

"Red and black fruit, sappy tobacco, spicy wood, and hints of chocolate all emerge from the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, another graceful, full-bodied, flawlessly balanced wine in the lineup. With sweet tannins, a round, layered mouthfeel, and a rocking finish, this is pure To Kalon gold that will shine over the coming 10-15 years."

"Complex scents of star anise and a faintly herbal note join ripe cherries and loamy earth on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is quite fresh and juicy, not heavy at all, showing hallmark To Kalon balance and elegance.."

"...boasts a deep purple hue as well as a thrilling perfume of blue fruits, graphite, sweet tobacco, and spring flowers....rich, concentrated, powerful 2021 delivering building, ripe, silky tannins, flawless overall balance, and incredible length on the finish..." 

"Rich, pliant and super-expressive, the 2021 races across the palate, showing exceptional balance and finesse."

"..black currant with terra-cotta and lead pencil. Very intense. Full to medium body, with firm and refined tannins."

"A ripe, vibrant palate leads the delineated layers of ripe blackberry, blueberry, mint, chocolate and brown baking spices. A rich tapestry of tannins are bolstered by firm acids. Plenty of power with a building energy." 

"Darker cassis, violets, redcurrants, new leather, and flowery incense notes all emerge from the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Talon Vineyard, a quintessential expression of this Grand Cru terroir in Oakville. With full-bodied richness, a deep, opulent mouthfeel, and incredible purity, it has the rare sense of power without weight that’s the hallmark of this incredible terroir."

"..includes a healthy 10% Cabernet Franc. The Franc adds a gently leafy, lifted note on the nose, which really complements the wine's ripe black cherry and earthy components. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated.."

"Pure perfection...offering massive richness and depth while being as graceful as a ballerina, with no sensation of weight or heaviness. Classic To Kalon crème de cassis, black raspberries, flowery incense, spice, and tobacco notes all define the bouquet, and it’s full-bodied, with a layered, multi-dimensional texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish..."

"Full and very refined with great length. Hints of salinity."

"The full-bodied-palate is laden with hedonic black fruit preserves and fragrant spices, framed by plush, well-managed tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and perfumed."

"More dark currants, chocolate, gravelly earth, and tobacco notes emerge from the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard. It's deep, full-bodied, balanced, and just a stunning wine in every sense..." 

"This is fantastic, offering blueberries and blackberries, a beautiful mid-palate and refined, fine tannins."

"Full-bodied, rich and with impressive concentration, it has a firm frame of very fine, ripe, wonderfully grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and spicy."

"The To Kalon vineyard was one of the top sites in 2016, and the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard knocks it out of the park. Sporting a vibrant purple color and straight-up off the charts notes of black raspberries, cassis, flowery spice, and incense, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness and power, a multi-dimensional texture, and a huge finish, all while staying light and elegant on the palate. As sexy and opulent as it gets..." 

"..a total stunner. Silky tannins envelop the palate as this dazzling, spectacularly vivid Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its pedigree. The 2016 is a magical wine. Wow!""..a total stunner. Silky tannins envelop the palate as this dazzling, spectacularly vivid Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its pedigree. The 2016 is a magical wine. Wow!"

"...beautifully ripe, plush tannins and background freshness pushing the layered fruit to the forefront.."

"Full-bodied, expressive...the palate features wonderfully ripe, spicy fruit with a lively backbone and a very long, velvet-laced finish."

"...Black cherry, plum, mocha, spice and new leather meld together... Plush, deep and inviting.."

"..lead pencil shavings, crème de cassis, cedar wood and fruitcake, followed by a blockbuster, rich, concentrated mouthfeel with exceptional density, sweet tannin and a long, 45- to 50-second finish. It is a beauty to drink over the next two decades."

"Notes of crème de cassis and blueberry compote erupt from the glass, followed by hints of mint tea, violets, and tilled soil with a waft of crushed rocks. The full-bodied palate is dense with muscular black fruit layers, framed by very firm, grainy tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long and minerally."

"From a warmer, reference point site in St. Helena, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is absolutely brilliant...it offers an Haut-Brion-like scorched earth and graphite character intermixed with dark chocolate, roasted tobacco, and assorted darker currant fruit. It's full-bodied, rich, powerful, and textured, with terrific tannins. Give it 4-5 years and drink over the following 30."

"...enchanting bouquet of ripe blueberries, blackberries, and blackcurrants,
harmoniously complemented by luscious black cherries and delicate floral
notes of violets...On the palate, this wine is full-bodied and refined, boasting a ripe, sweet core enveloped in a dense, concentrated texture that is incredibly pure. Its opulent and luxurious character is beautifully balanced, leading to a lengthy, memorable finish that reveals layers of dark fruit, floral notes, and lingering mineral nuances."

"It leads with the site's characteristic dusty mineral and spice notes, layered with red-toned fruits, sandalwood, and tobacco. One of the most polished wines of the vintage, it offers a wonderfully suave and silky texture, with supple tannins carrying red and black-toned fruit—the purity and density of the fruit build in length and freshness, revealing more with each sip. Exotic brown spices emerge,
along with subtle cola notes reflecting the warmth of the vintage, while
maple-laced dried herbs introduce a bright, lifted sweetness that never feels
cloying. Perfectly balanced and exceptionally polished, this vintage offers a
touch more generous fruit concentration than the 2021, yet the tannins are so
beautifully sculpted that it stands confidently alongside its predecessor.
The dark-fruited mineral character extends through the lengthy finish,
leaving an impression of finesse and depth."

"Winemaker Matt Sands has turned out perfection from the Beckstoffer Dr.
Crane Vineyard in St. Helena with his Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc
in 2021....In the typical Lithology style, this is an inky black wine with a sumptuously silky and satiny profile, but in 2021, there is freshness, lift, and tension. The full-bodied palate offers fine, intricate tannins that are assertive yet harmonious with the dark berry fruit. At the same time, a rich vein of iron-like minerality and earth mingles with fragrant cedarwood, herbs and slivers of dark chocolate on a long and satisfying finish—polished, expressive, and delicious, all from an exceptional site in a terrific vintage."

"Another absolute blockbuster...It's one of the bigger, richer wines in the
vintage and has a thrilling bouquet of bloody black and blue fruits, iron,
spring flowers, and chocolate. Powerful, full-bodied, deep, rich, and
concentrated, with incredible extract and density in its aromas and flavors,
this insanely good wine has velvety tannins, an incredible mid-palate, and a
great finish. Don't miss it. It's gorgeous today, will be insanely good in
4-5 years, and I suspect have 40 years of overall longevity."

"My favorite of the current offerings from Bulgheroni is the 2021 Lithology
Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard. It's slightly smoky-oaky
on the nose, offering pungent licorice and peppery notes over its deep base
of cassis fruit. Full-bodied, it's rich and concentrated, with a long, plush,
velvety finish."

"Also a classic expression of its terroir, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard boasts a ripe, opulent, powerful style as well
as notes of darker currants, tobacco, lead pencil, chocolate, and gravelly
earth. I always find a Graves-like richness as well as a sense of earth from
this site, and this beauty has it all in spades. Full-bodied, ripe, and
polished on the palate, it stays relatively compact and will benefit from 4-5
years of bottle age."

"...a hint of green herbs on the nose, but just a hint, which quickly recedes under waves of ripe black cherries and an attractive note of licorice. Full-bodied and supple, it finishes long, with a touch of warmth and gentle, soft tannins."

"...one of the most supple, racy wines in this range. Crushed flowers, spice, mint and sweet dried cherry all grace this mid-weight, inviting Cabernet Sauvignon. Dense, plush and explosive, with remarkable purity of fruit, the Dr. Crane impresses with its total sense of harmony and balance. Dr. Crane often yields Cabernets of seductive plushness, as is very much the case here."

"Possibly the wine of the vintage, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer
Dr. Crane Vineyard is another incredible wine from this estate that has
everything: stunning complexity, full-bodied richness, flawless balance, and
incredible length. Revealing a dense purple color as well as Graves-like
notes of blackcurrants, cold fireplace, graphite, chocolate, and smoked
tobacco, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, flawless balance, and
ultra-fine tannins. Hats off to the team at Alejandro Bulgheroni!"

"Very deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Lithology Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard charges out of the gate with intense scents of
chocolate-covered cherries, blueberry compote and crème de cassis, leading to
nuances of star anise, mocha, black olives and iron ore. The decadently rich,
full-bodied palate packs an impressive punch, delivering impactful black and
blue fruit preserves with loads of mineral and exotic spice layers, supported
by fine-grained tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with epic
length."

"Flowery incense, tobacco leaf, crème de cassis, currants, and scorched earth notes all dominate the bouquet of the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard....It's another brilliant wine from this estate that’s up with the
top handful of wines in the vintage."

"...revealing black fruit notions of stewed plums, blackcurrant cordial, dried bay leaves and tree bark with wafts of truffles and iron ore. Full-bodied, the palate
has densely packed, taut, muscular black fruits and tons of earthy accents, supported by ripe, fine-grained tannins, finishing long and wonderfully
 vocative of this incredible vineyard. Bravo!" 

"...featuring warm blackberries, cherry preserves, cassis and dark chocolate with hints of sautéed herbs, crushed rocks, iron ore and cigar box. Big, rich and full in the mouth, the palate is taut and muscular at this stage yet shows incredible potential with a firm, ripe, grainy frame and a long, mineral-laced finish."

"Revealing a deep, saturated purple color, it’s a ripe, sexy wine that carries awesome depth of fruit as well as concentration. Black fruits, licorice, road tar, and tobacco leaf characteristics as well as some cold fireplace notes all emerge from this backward yet incredibly impressive Cabernet Sauvignon. Give bottles another 2-4 years and it will undoubtedly keep for 2+ decades."

"...Raspberry jam, wild flowers and white chocolate flesh out
in an ample, succulent Cabernet that will tempt drinkers with its early
accessibility. The 2016 Dr. Crane is a wine of pure and total pleasure.
That's all there is to it."

"...shows remarkable purity in its notes of cassis, redcurrants, crushed stone, and freshly sharpened lead pencil, along with a terrific sense of minerality....full-bodied and has a focused, pure, layered mouthfeel with plenty of tannins and a
gorgeous finish." 

"The wine is drop-dead gorgeous – impeccably polished, with full-bodied richness and a supple texture that builds around waves of dark blue and black fruit. Wet-slate notes and rich, creamy layers support incredibly velvety, suave tannins that are powerful yet superbly integrated at this youthful stage. The finish is both bright and expressive, touched by espresso bean and violets."

"...a stunning wine that begins with ripe blackberries and succulent black cherries, beautifully complemented by notes of tobacco and a medley of savory herbs and exotic spices, with undertones of graphite, pencil shavings, and dust add a fascinating minerality, reminiscent of the vineyard's unique terroir....full-bodied wine is polished and dense...This is a spectacular wine that is already outstanding and should go on to age beautifully."

"More red and black fruits, loamy earth, chocolate, and spicy tobacco notes all shine in the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Lithology Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard...This deep ruby/purple-hued Cabernet has sweet tannins, a beautifully
layered mouthfeel, and a great finish."

"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard has to be one of the finest wines I've tasted from this vineyard....a gorgeous perfume of crème de cassis, smoked black fruits, dark chocolate, and a terrific sense of minerality, with background oak and graphite. Rich, full-bodied, and powerful, yet with sweet tannins, flawless balance, and that rare mix of richness and elegance, it needs to be tasted to be believed..."

"Winemaker Matt Sands has ushered in an entire lineup of terrifically fresh and exuberant 2021s, and this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is right in the pocket. Oozing with succulent blackberry fruit, graphite, and crunchy cranberry, the full-bodied palate is framed by crisp tannins tart and tangy blood orange acidity. It is wholly expressive of wild herbs, dusty minerals and crushed dried violets...balance, integration, and a racy quality..."

"...offers impressive red, blue, and black fruits as well as savory herbs and dried flower nuances...full-bodied, with a focused, tight, straight style on the palate that warrants 4-5 years of cellaring."

"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Lithology Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard is a
fabulous wine from this site. Vibrant and finely cut to the core, the 2019
dazzles with notable brilliance. Crushed rocks, menthol, spice, mint, mocha
and licorice all develop in a compelling, articulate Napa Valley Cabernet. The balance of opulence and Las Piedras mineral intensity is simply compelling."

"It offers a touch more red fruit as well ample cassis, spring flowers, loamy earth, and spice-like aromas and flavors. It has a wonderful sense of minerality, ultra-fine tannins, a dense, layered texture, and incredibly purity of fruit. It’s another just about off the charts release from this estate."

"...Inky dark fruit, crème de cassis, licorice, spice, lavender and mocha infuse the 2018 with striking nuance. This is such an expressive and inviting wine. The insistent energy and drive that are such Piedras signatures emerge over time..."

"...a beautiful, elegant, mineral-laced wine that offers full-bodied richness and depth as well as outstanding length. Complex notes of red and black currants, dried flowers, crushed rocks, and flowery incense... It's an incredibly sumptuous, satisfying Cabernet that has both complexity and richness."

"Loads of blackberries, crushed black pepper and black tea. Crushed stones. Medium to full body with firm, juicy tannins and a lightly austere finish that gives this wine energy and focus."

"...a smorgasbord of dark, meaty fruits, chocolate, damp earth, and tobacco, with more minerality and violet characteristics developing with time in the glass. Deep, full-bodied, and incredibly layered, it’s one of the richer, more powerful wines in the lineup. Drink it over the coming 2 decades."

"...deep garnet-purple in color with a nose of crushed blackcurrants, black cherries and warm plums with nuances of beautiful exotic spices accents and a perfume of potpourri, tobacco leaf and Sichuan pepper plus a hint of cedar chest. Full-bodied with a firm backbone of fine-grained tannins and a lively line, it has a stunning core of bright, crunchy black fruits, finishing with a wonderfully persistent perfume." 

"... dense, powerful and closed in on itself, which is not surprising given the
personality of this St. Helena site...the Piedras is going to need at least a few years to come into its own. This rich, unctuous Cabernet is full of character."

"Very deep opaque garnet-black in color, the 2015 Lithology Cabernet
Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras gives up notions of baked red and black
plums, black cherries and earth with hints of dried herbs, cigar box and
underbrush, plus a waft of potpourri. Full-bodied, concentrated and packed
with black berry and baking spice layers..."

"Red, blue, and black fruits as well as lively flowers, graphite, and obvious are all on display in the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Steltzner Vineyard...it's full-bodied and has a pure, layered, graceful mouthfeel with awesome tannins and a great finish. It's another sensational wine in the lineup..."

"This cab shows Stags Leap power and aromas of black fruit, black coffee, licorice, ink and spices. The palate is full-bodied with firmly framed fine tannins and bright acidity that cut through the densely packed dark fruit flavors. The premier release of this wine under the Lithology label."

“Exotic stone fruits, tart apricot, white flowers, gin-like herbs, and chalky minerality…clean, juicy acidity with perfect balance and outstanding length.”

“Great precision and tension, with aromas of lemon curd, white flowers, wet stones and musk…a delicate, textural and seamless mouthfeel.”

“…a wine of remarkable laser focus….A sleek undercurrent of tangerine oil and lemon zest runs through the palate, joined by lime blossom and crushed slatestone minerality on the long, juicy, gently spicy finish."

"In 2022, Sands crafted a gorgeously elegant Chardonnay, offering a deeply penetrating expression of fruit and salinity on the mid-palate, with tremendous richness framed by expressive acidity."

"Ripe lemon curd, honeyed white flowers, and creamy nuances all define the aromatics....has a pure, layered, elegant mouthfeel, lots of bright acidity, and a great finish."

"...a floral, subtle tropical slant in its honeyed citrus, white flowers, green almond, and chalky mineral aromas and flavors...beautiful layered, seamless Chardonnay...

"...layered and flavorful white with sliced green apple and cooked apple with some pie crust...Racy and steely with a mineral undertone."

"Soaring seaspray aromatics are tinged with white flowers, a hint of almond skin and a pop of candied ginger. It is just gorgeous on entry, linear and focused, teasing the senses with lemon oil, candied apricots, and a seemingly salty, crushed stone minerality. A crystalline kind of acidity cuts the richness, and the finish is long, zesty and completely mineral-driven."

"...a great nose of honeyed citrus, chalky minerality, and white flowers. Bright and racy on the palate, it has high yet integrated acid, terrific balance, and a great finish."

"This is part of the new wave of Napa sauvignon blancs showing great tension, purity and restraint with minerality and freshness. Aromas of sliced lemons, lime leaves, white pepper, wet stones, citrus oil, iodine and green olives..." 

"The wine shows a wonderfully grippy texture with lifted aromatics of citrus and bright lemon fruit, layered with a pop of vanilla and delicate white jasmine notes."

"Vibrant and racy stuff, the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Estate offers crushed citrus, lychee (or is it gooseberry?), sweet mint, and some exotic nuances."

"Rocking La Mission Haut Brion Blanc-like notes all emerge from the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley, a lemony, crushed stone, mint, and honeyed flower Sauvignon Blanc that has great acidity, medium-bodied richness, and a great finish."

"Pithy lime and grapefruit zest dominate the aromas, accompanied by nuances of vanilla-tinged almonds. The palate unfolds with a suave texture and emerging tropical fruit notes, beautifully framed by lifted acidity.."

"Lemon, lime, honeyed flowers, mint, and some mineral notes all define the 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley, a brilliant, medium-bodied, balanced, lengthy, and utterly classic Sauvignon Blanc that has tons to love."