2005 Paul Hobbs, Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Case of 6 btls

RP97 "If the Dr. Crane Vineyard is La Mission Haut-Brion, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is a classic first-growth and, for Napa, a Pauillac-like offering. It has a dense purple color and is as youthful as the Dr. Crane, but exhibiting less minerality, with more classic cr?me de cassis, wild mountain berry fruit, and hints of tobacco and spring flowers as well as licorice. As often is the case, every nook and cranny of the palate seems to be filled with wondrous flavors of red and black fruits and spices in a silky, full-bodied, opulent style. This is a beauty, still young, with as much upside as the Beckstoffer Dr. Crane. Nevertheless, this is a slightly bigger wine, even though the alcohol level is about the same as the Dr. Crane." RP Jun 2015