Winemaker Benoit Touquette hit a home run with the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane, which is possibly the wine of the vintage. Based mostly on Cabernet Sauvignon from a magical, first growth site just outside of St. Helena, it reveals a deep purple hue as well as powerful notes of blackcurrant liqueur, chocolate, unsmoked tobacco, and gravelly earth. With its full-bodied richness, sweet tannins, and opulent texture, you’d never guess it came from the 2017 vintage. It’s a remarkable achievement for an incredibly talented team. I suspect it might close down with 2-4 years of bottle age, so I’d either try a bottle immediately on release or do your best to hold off for 7-8 years.

Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr Crane Vineyard does not disappoint. Deep garnet-purple colored, it flies out of the glass with gregarious scents of black cherries, blueberries and boysenberries plus hints of potpourri, sandalwood, Chinese five spice, cast-iron pan and fragrant earth. Characteristically full-bodied, rich and full-on seductive, the palate is packed with generous, perfumed black fruits, supported by firm, ripe tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing mineral-laced and with epic persistence. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is gorgeous. Pliant and supple, with terrific freshness, the 2017 Dr. Crane shows how appealing the vintage can be in the right hands. Super ripe red/purplish berry fruit, lavender, rose petal, mint and spice are front and center. The 2017 offers an attractive mix of pliant fruit backed by considerable energy. Best of all, the 2017 will drink well with minimal cellaring. This is a terrific showing from Realm in an extremely challenging year. -- Antonio Galloni

This barrel sample had been decanted for a few hours prior to my visit. It was still reduced upon pouring but was fascinating to get to know. Matchsticks and gunpowder were clearly present, but underneath was a tension and focus of pure red fruits, already playing nicely with a wild, minty oregano note. The 2017s that came in before the tragic fires are something to look for, and will reward the extra work required to track them down.