99pts Jeb Dunnuck

A textbook expression of this site, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard boasts a deep purple/plum color to go with a darker, earthy bouquet of blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, chocolate, and graphite. This carries to a full-bodied, deep, powerful wine that packs serious richness and depth while staying light and graceful, with a beautiful sense of elegance and purity. It's a magical Cabernet from this vineyard that's going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for 25+ years or more. Hats off to winemaker Julien Fayard!

 97+pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The deep garnet-purple colored, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon George III Vineyard offers up flamboyant notes of blackcurrant pastilles, blueberry preserves and chocolate-covered cherries with suggestions of stewed plums, eucalyptus, fertile loam and tapenade with a waft ofcedar. Full-bodied, concentrated and opulently styled in the mouth, the palate is packed with black fruit preserves, framed by firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and spicy.

Winemaker Notes

The 2018 vintage produced a stunning wine from the Beckstoffer Georges III site.  Bright red fruits and toasted fennel seed aromas introduce a palate bursting with sweet cherry, red plums, fresh blue fruits, and savory dried herbs. This wine has extraordinary presence – limitless fresh energy coiled into a polished structure of superfine tannins and outstanding natural grace. Fresh cherry compote and Santa Rosa plum linger throughout the vibrant, enduring finish.

Napa Valley’s glorious 2018 vintage will be remembered as that rare confluence of elegance, power and abundance. The vines enjoyed an extremely long growing season, with excellent fruit set and optimal weather conditions. While an early heat wave gave the grapes a powerful start, the lack of subsequent major heat events allowed for even, natural ripening of the generous crop. Wines from this extraordinary vintage are soft and textured, with wonderful depth and elegance.