I loved the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard LPV. This vineyard, which is just a stone’s throw from Dr. Crane, has yielded an incredibly complex, full-bodied, exotic style as well as a kaleidoscope of blue fruits, spring flowers, bay leaf, and dried tobacco. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aging in 100% new Darnajou and Taransaud barrels, it has a surprising amount of structure hiding under its fruit and it’s going to be a magical, long-lived wine.

Wonderful aromas of currants, crushed berries and flowers. Very deep and complex. Full-bodied and layered with loads of ripe tannins, yet they are polished and very fine. Extremely long finish. Give it at least five years to come together and refine. Try after 2025.

Schrader’s “LPV” comes from Beckstoffer’s Las Piedras vineyard, produced from 337 clone grown on the C block. One hundred percent Cabernet Sauvignon, it is aging in 100% new oak. A very deep purple-black colored barrel sample, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard Lpv delivers waves of blackcurrant pastilles, warm black plums and mulberries scents with touches of wet stones, bay leaves, espresso and fertile loam. Medium-bodied, the palate has a firm, grainy texture and background freshness supporting bags of complex, savory layers, finishing with great length and depth.