Sporting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard (a barrel sample) rolls effortlessly out of the glass with vibrant scents of freshly crushed black cherries, warm plums and blueberry compote leading to notes of cassis, chocolate box, star anise and tapenade. The densely laden, full-bodied palate is jam-packed with black and blue fruit preserves and lots of exotic spice nuances, supported by velvety tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with fantastic length and that signature minerally kick. Impressive. 800 cases are due to be made.

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard offers up alluring notes of red raspberries and cherries, accented by hints of baking spices, mocha and dried herbs. There's even a slightly dusty, savory note, like wind-blown or rain-splashed earth on fresh-picked fruit, and a subtle tinge of pencil shavings. Full-bodied yet fresh, with a supple feel and fine-grained tannins, this is already approachable, yet it finishes with enough length and softly dusty tannins to think it will still be drinking well in 2040. 898 cases made.

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is a phenomenally beautiful wine. In recent vintages, the Hobbs Dr. Crane has started off a bit rough and then found its balance in time. There are no such issues in 2019, a wine that is showing remarkably well at this stage. Silky tannins and floral overtones add a brilliant upper register to a core of red/purplish berry fruit lifted by bright blood orange-like acids. Silky and exceptionally polished, the 2019 is a gorgeous Dr. Crane.