Moving to the 2018 barrel sample, this was described as a cool, although not cold, year by Brown that had terrific hang time. In general, the wines offer evidence of the longer hang time with their ripe, seamless tannin profiles. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard comes from a historic, larger valley floor site and displays terrific blue fruit, sappy herbs, and a gravelly, earthy sense of minerality. It’s full-bodied, dense, and backward on the palate, with loads of structure.

A seductive ripe-fruit and floral nose. Medium-to full-bodied with notes of blackberries, blackcurrants, violets and spice. Light, fresh jam, too. It’s full and compact with a dense, deep palate and beautiful fruit. Firm and bright

Schrader’s GIII comes from Beckstoffer’s Georges III vineyard in Rutherford, produced from 337 clone grown on the F block. One hundred percent Cabernet Sauvignon, it is aging in 100% new oak. A very deep purple-black colored barrel sample, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon GIII Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard prances out of the glass with bright, youthful blackberries, black cherries and freshly crushed blackcurrants scents, morphing into a beautiful perfume of lilacs, freshly spaded earth, wild sage and crushed rocks plus a touch of cinnamon stick. Medium bodied, firm, refreshing and elegantly styled, the palate does not scrimp on intensity nor layers, framed by ripe, grainy tannins, finishing long and minerally. 170 cases are due to be made.

A big wine, with tiers of cassis, plum reduction and blackberry preserves giving this verticality, while dense graphite and roasted apple wood notes provide the spine. A pretty violet note provides contrast, and there's a long tug of warm earth through the finish too, giving this a very solid grounding. Patience required, as this is locked up right now. Best from 2023 through 2038. 170 cases made.