The tiny selection 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard Empyrean is a cellar selection from this large site and tastes like the classic cuvée, just denser and richer. A stunning nose of blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, candied violets, orange blossom, and flowery incense gives way to a full-bodied, powerful wine with building tannins, a wonderful sense of freshness and purity, no hard edges, and a great finish

Outer quote mark The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Empyrean is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Displaying a deep purple-black color, it comes wafting out of the glass with a bedazzling nose of warm cassis, blueberry pie and Black Forest cake with suggestions of chocolate mint, underbrush, rose oil and lavender plus a hint of cinnamon stick. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers great tension and bags of energetic black fruits, supported by grainy tannins, finishing long and fragrant. (LPB) 96+ Inner quote mark (11/2020)

Juicy and fresh, with an open feel to the mix of cassis, plum and boysenberry puree flavors. Light anise and fruitcake hints dart through the finish, and there's a subtle apple wood frame for form. Very solid. Drink now through 2030. 375 cases made.

The Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III is a powerful, brooding wine. Firm tannins only add to that impression. There is good depth in the glass, along with plenty of the earthy, chocolate and soil-driven inflections typical of Georges III Cabernets, but I don't see the finesse or nuance of the best wines in this lineup.