Carter, Napa Valley, Oakville, Beckstoffer Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon 20009 Almost 9 years on this wine is hitting its stride. The nose shows the bottle bouquet development of exotic spices like sandelwood. There’s a healthy mix of dried fruits and herbs, cinnamon and orange, all speaking the sweet-appearing smells that develop with time. In the mouth, the wine is supple and the acidity frames the dried and lingering fresh red fruits. The flavor goes on a long time – a special treat.
The grapes for this wine are said to have com from the Beckstoffer family’s portion of H.W. Crabb’s original Tokalon Vineyard, established in 1868. We all know the fame that this vineyard had reached yet the winery and brand are a mystery to me. While trying to determine the price, I struck out. This is one of those bottles whose source I can’t identify. I don’t know who gave this to me yet my thanks goes out, to whoever might claim it. Cellared & bottled by Carter Cellars, 14.1% alcohol.