2019 Realm Cellars, Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard, St. Helena, Case of 3 Magnum

RP100 "Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr Crane Vineyard is opaque purple-black colored, prancing out of the glass with vibrant notions of blueberry preserves, black cherry compote and blackcurrant cordial, plus nuances of pencil lead, tapenade, violets, mocha and crushed rocks. The full-bodied palate is built like a brick house, featuring very firm, fine, densely pixilated Dr. Crane tannins and bold freshness supporting layer upon layer of crunchy black berries and minerals, featuring a firework display of fragrant earth and floral notes on the long, long, long finish. Right up there with Napa Valley’s greatest, this is going to be a legendary wine. Give it a good 5-7 years to really fan out and drink it over the next 30 years+." LPB for WA Sep 2021

JD100 " Pure perfection in a glass, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Crane Vineyard is all varietal and comes from this remarkable site just outside St. Helena. A wine that offers incredible richness and depth while staying flawlessly balanced and weightless, it offers up a kaleidoscope-like array of blackcurrants, cassis, tobacco leaf, wildflowers, and scorched earth. As seamless and silky as they come, it has perfect tannins, that rare mix of power and elegance, and a monster of a finish. It doesn’t get any better in this reviewer’s opinion." JD Dec 2021

"“2019 was a great vintage, following 2018,” said Realm’s winemaker, Benoit Touquette. “A bit like 2012 and 2013. 2019 is more fleshy and expressive at this stage than 2018. It has the flesh and the body of 2013, with nice ripe phenolics. I love the acidity and texture, matched by the aromatics. Also, 2019 was a consistent crop—straightforward to work with. We racked a lot less this year, to keep that energy and freshness,” he explained “Tempest and Bard are our gateway to new consumers,” proprietor Scott Becker added. “The Bard accounts for nearly half of our entire production volume. With The Tempest, we really want to promote Merlot. You really need the Merlot mindset, to be focused on how to make great Merlot.” 2019 is clearly a vintage that plays to Realm’s vineyard and visionary strengths. This is a strong lineup of new releases with a lineup of wines that are sure to excite loyal fans and will likely turn a few new heads along the way." LPB for WA