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2018 Alejandro Bulgheroni Lithology Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Cabernet Franc

Removed from a temperature and humidity controlled wine storage unit; Purchased direct from winery

Ends Sunday, 7pm Pacific

RATINGS

98Jeb Dunnuck

It has a slightly darker, more earthy style in its blackcurrants, dark chocolate, leafy herbs, smoked earth, and truffle-like aromatics. These carry to a full-bodied red with perfect balance, beautiful tannins, and just everything in the right place.

96The Wine Advocate

...drop-dead gorgeous notes of kirsch, blackberry preserves, redcurrant jelly and raspberry leaves, with suggestions of pencil shavings, wild thyme and tilled soil...red and black berry layers intertwined with mineral accents and framed by firm, grainy tannins, finishing long and lifted.

94Vinous / IWC

Dried herbs, rose petal, mint and sweet tobacco feel a bit held back by the wine's imposing clout.

93Wine Spectator

Polished, with a rounded feel from start to finish, featuring warmed fig, blackberry and plum preserve flavors that roll through, plus chocolate and sweet tobacco notes. Shows a smoldering hint on the finish, as the fruit lingers steadily.

PRODUCER

Alejandro Bulgheroni

Alejandro Bulgheroni Estate is a new Napa Valley enterprise for Alejandro Bulgheroni, an Argentinian-Italian vintner and entrepreneur who owns wine estates in Argentina, Uruguay, Italy, France and Australia. This new estate is focused on producing small-batch, handcrafted Cabernet Sauvignon from prestigious Napa Valley terroir. The estate’s debut release was a 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon. Bulgheroni has assembled a winemaking dream team, starting with acclaimed winemaker Philippe Melka and consultant Michel Rolland. Veteran viticulturist Jim Barbour is vineyard operations manager. The 14-acre parcel that makes up the new estate has been through many transformations since the mid-19th century when it was part of an historic ranch. It was later part of Charles Krug Winery. Alejandro Bulgheroni makes Cabernet Sauvignon that is generally available only through the mailing list.

REGION

United States, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena, Dr. Crane Vineyard

Dr. Crane Vineyard was originally planted in 1858 by Napa Valley pioneer Dr. George Belden Crane. It was acquired by Beckstoffer Vineyards in 1997. Located in the city of St. Helena, the 25-acre vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Beckstoffer Vineyards owns and farms more than 3,600 acres of highly prestigious grape growing vineyards in Napa Valley, Mendocino County and the Red Hills of Lake County. A senior executive with Heublein in the 1960s, Andy Beckstoffer is credited with steering Napa Valley vintners towards improving farming and the quality of the grapes used for wine. Grapes from any Beckstoffer vineyards are considered among the finest available in California.

TYPE

Red Wine, Cabernet Franc

This is a parent grape to Cabernet Sauvignon. It most likely originates from Basque country. It is an excellent blending grape, known for making the exquisite Cheval-Blanc. Franc is a little hardier on a vine than Sauvignon, but drinks smoothly at the table.