2021 "Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper"

From a valley floor site that never seems to get the recognition it deserves, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard is all varietal and reveals a dense purple hue to go with awesome aromatics of ripe black and blue fruits, smoke tobacco, graphite, darker chocolate, and damp earth. These carry to a full-bodied, deep, concentrated 2021 delivering remarkable purity, a layered, rich, mouth-filling texture, ample tannins, and a great finish. It shows the structured, powerful style of the vintage and actually reminds me a great vintage of La Mission Haut-Brion. It needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and is going to push the upper limits of the scale at maturity. (06/2023)

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper swans out with gregarious note of creme de cassis, blackberries, and juicy plums with hints of candied violets, chocolate box, and Indian spices. The full-bodied palate is rich and plush, with beautifully knit, super-soft tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and layered. (10/2023)

Sourced from one of the western blocks at this large vineyard, one that boasts more gravelly, better-drained soils on a slight rise, Carter's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard features faintly herbal (thyme and sage) notes accenting ripe black cherries. It's full-bodied and rich, with a long, velvety finish that hints of mocha and dark chocolate but also includes some brighter, fresher notes.

- Joe Czerwinski (07/2024)