Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer Las Piedras Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
-
Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling -
Wine
Spectator
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Of the three Beckstoffer Vineyards, it’s pretty much a joyride as to which one readers may prefer. The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard of St. Helena is a knockout: a broad, opulent, round Cabernet fruitbomb with lots of cassis, incense, and blackberry. The wine is full-bodied, generously endowed with terrific purity, texture and length. This is a star and, believe it or not, it’s come in well under 15% natural alcohol. This beauty can be drunk now or cellared for 15 or more years.
-
James Suckling
A full-throttle and rich red with round, soft tannins and a juicy, flavorful finish. Lots of fruit and intensity. Yet there is a tension and brightness. Reaches the limits of almost high-octane. Drink or hold.
-
Wine Spectator
Aromas of red candy, anise and wild berry gain depth and focus, persisting on the finish, where the flavors linger. Drink now through 2025. 760 cases made.
Other Vintages
2019-
James
Suckling -
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
-
Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling -
Wine
Spectator
-
Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling -
Wine
Spectator
-
Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling -
Wine
Spectator
-
Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling -
Wine
Spectator
-
James
Suckling -
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
-
Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling -
Wine
Spectator
-
Wine
Enthusiast - Vinous
-
Wine
Spectator -
Robert
Parker
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
St. Helena is in the heart of the Napa Valley, nestled between Calistoga to the north and Rutherford on its southern border. On its western side, the Mayacamas Mountains guard it from the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean; to its east stand the Vaca Mountains. In conjunction, these mountain ranges serve to lock in summer daytime heat. But in the evening, cool air from the San Pablo Bay funnels up through the valley, creating very chilly nights. It isn’t uncommon for temperatures to drop 50 degrees, a shift that promotes a balance of sugar ripeness and acidity in wine grapes.
St. Helena contains a plethora of different soil types in a small area, which have been enhanced over centuries by rain runoff from both mountain ranges. Its vineyards cover a variety of terrain, spreading across the bucolic valley floor and its benchlands.
These ideal topographic and climatic growing conditions easily caught the attention of early winemaking pioneers. In fact, St. Helena is the birthplace of Napa Valley’s commercial wine industry. Dr. Crane founded his cellar in 1859, David Fulton in 1860 and Charles Krug in 1861.
Today there are no less than 400 separate vineyards planted within the 12,000 acres that make up the St. Helena appellation.
Revered most for its red wines based on Bordeaux varieties, namely Cabernet Sauvignon, the St. Helena appellation is also a source of superior Syrah, Zinfandel and Sauvignon blanc.