2019 Beckstoffer Cabernet Sauvignon George III Empyrean
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Tasting notes
Aromas of oolong, leafy herbs, black licorice and blackcurrants. Full-bodied with silky, smooth tannins. Lovely mineral notes add complexity and depth to the black fruit and ground spice. Very nice length. Best after 2024.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III Empyrean is powerful, dense and super-concentrated. I find the oak overdone, and the wine lacking in freshness as a result of the very pushed, ripe style.
Even better, the 225-case 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard Empyrean is a barrel selection made by winemaker Mike Smith. It has more deep, base notes of blackcurrants, cassis, ripe tobacco, black tea, and chocolate. These all carry to a full-bodied, seamless, incredibly sexy 2019 with velvety tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish. It already has up-front appeal, yet I have no doubt it will evolve for 20-25 years.
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Empyrean is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a little coaxing to release notes of blackcurrant preserves, baked black plums and mulberries, plus underlying hints of Indian spice, fragrant earth and wild sage. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house with firm, ripe, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness to support the muscular fruit, finishing long and earthy.
About the producer
Mike Smith is one of Napa’s leading winemakers, crafting top-scoring wines for the likes of Quivet, PerChance, Kindred and Flora Springs. Myriad Cellars is his personal label, run with his wife Leah.