Arrow & Branch Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon 2012St. Helena

We have been fortunate to be able to taste this a few times – once in barrel and twice in bottle, before and after release. This 2012 Beckstoffer Dr. Crane is one of the best 2012 Cabernets with naming rights to this renowned St. Helena vineyard. What we liked most about it is that it offers the signature notes of the best of what Dr. Crane offers but without becoming too heavy or overdone. We’ve tasted a few from other producers that were almost on the verge of sweet and cloying. With this 2012, winemaker Jennifer Williams, formerly of Spottswoode, has produced a Cabernet that offers “stony blueberry and raspberry fruit that come through vividly in this moderately weighty, well-endowed, outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon. There are no hard edges and the tannins are velvety.  288 cases were produced of this current offering.