2009 Realm Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard has begun to shut down and go into a dormant stage. I noticed this with a number of 2009s, especially compared to the more open 2010s, charming 2011s, and the explosively rich 2012 fruit bombs. This dense purple-colored 2009 reveals a sweet nose of wet pebbles intermixed with blueberries, black currants and forest floor. The minerality and rich fruit stand out, and as the wine hits the palate, there is obviously plenty of concentration and richness, but the tannins give the wine a brooding, reserved personality. Pure and impressively well-made, but in need of further cellaring, this 2009 should be cellared for several more years and drunk over the following two decades. Tel. (707) 967-0227
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Licorice, forest floor, earth, black cherry, coffee and vanilla notes pair well with thick, concentrated, lush ripe, jammy berries. Round and forward in style, this is already fun to drink. 93 Points
Ruby-red. The most perfumed of these 2009s to this point, offering scents of cassis, violet, bitter chocolate and spicecake. Layered, deep and utterly seamless, with ripe acidity giving shape to the plush flavors of blackberry, cassis, cola and chocolate. Dense and smooth but not at all heavy. The rising, very long finish features noble tannins. A very classy 2009 cabernet.
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is sumptuous and layered, with plenty of the aromatic nuances that are typical of this site. Ripe red fruit, flowers, spices and licorice are some of the notes that flow from this refined, finessed Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2009 impresses for its dazzling purity and finesse. The blend is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot.
About the producer
Realm Cellars has become one of Napa Valley’s most compelling modern estates, known for site-driven Cabernet Sauvignon. Drawing from some of the valley’s most sought-after vineyards, Realm’s wines consistently earn top critical acclaim while remaining firmly rooted in place.