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)

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.

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.