Myriad Cellars
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
After my annual Napa trip, and a few days home of drying out, I wanted a well aged Napa cab to bring me back in.
I gave this a 3hr double decant before trying. I snuck a small glass on opening and it was sporting an uber youthful bite and not much on the finish. After I gave it time, it really fleshed out and bulked up quite a bit. Poured alongside a 2012 Alpha Omega Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper, the Myriad was the group favorite, but it obviously depends on a style preference. The AO was more elegant and finesse driven whereas the Myriad was powerful. Had a classical DrCrane scorched earth flair on the nose but plenty of ripe red and black fruits alongside mocha, dark baking spices and sweet toasted oak (very much in the background). The palate was licorice, tar, and mixed dark berry pie with fine grained tannin on the finish. I’d say this is now in a prime window if you can give it time, but I’m hard pressed to say this gets better…I think it just gets different.
After my annual Napa trip, and a few days home of drying out, I wanted a well aged Napa cab to bring me back in.
I gave this a 3hr double decant before trying. I snuck a small glass on opening and it was sporting an uber youthful bite and not much on the finish. After I gave it time, it really fleshed out and bulked up quite a bit. Poured alongside a 2012 Alpha Omega Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper, the Myriad was the group favorite, but it obviously depends on a style preference. The AO was more elegant and finesse driven whereas the Myriad was powerful. Had a classical DrCrane scorched earth flair on the nose but plenty of ripe red and black fruits alongside mocha, dark baking spices and sweet toasted oak (very much in the background). The palate was licorice, tar, and mixed dark berry pie with fine grained tannin on the finish. I’d say this is now in a prime window if you can give it time, but I’m hard pressed to say this gets better…I think it just gets different.
Glorious with a New York steak cooked to perfection tonight. Big, bold, silky, balanced. 2hr decant set the stage. What a great way to celebrate today!
Glorious with a New York steak cooked to perfection tonight. Big, bold, silky, balanced. 2hr decant set the stage. What a great way to celebrate today!
Nov 8th, 2020
Balance is extraordinary! Dark fruit with a backbone of bright acidity!
Balance is extraordinary! Dark fruit with a backbone of bright acidity!
Aug 16th, 2019
Do you see any faucets? No, I don’t either. I so want to bitch-slap a contractor now... the sink is there, but faucets would be really nice. Plumber sent me a piss-o-gram text blaming the sheetrock guy. Gotta break tiles now. I can’t take any more...
Mike Smith to the rescue. Excellent expression of cab. Notes of marshmallow and soft oak on the nose. Palate is silky and and o so sexy. Maraschino cherries with maple syrup, and coffee notes conclude what is an excellent experience. This has longevity, too.
Do you see any faucets? No, I don’t either. I so want to bitch-slap a contractor now... the sink is there, but faucets would be really nice. Plumber sent me a piss-o-gram text blaming the sheetrock guy. Gotta break tiles now. I can’t take any more...
Mike Smith to the rescue. Excellent expression of cab. Notes of marshmallow and soft oak on the nose. Palate is silky and and o so sexy. Maraschino cherries with maple syrup, and coffee notes conclude what is an excellent experience. This has longevity, too.
It is smooth with a firm binding structure I have not had it open long enough yet to have it begin to unwind but will rate it after a hour or so of air. Fruit and balance are coming up. This wine need time to evolve but is very good with a Prime NY tonight.
It is smooth with a firm binding structure I have not had it open long enough yet to have it begin to unwind but will rate it after a hour or so of air. Fruit and balance are coming up. This wine need time to evolve but is very good with a Prime NY tonight.
Feb 9th, 2017
Annual golf getaway with friends. Chicago edition. This is great and digging the restaurant.
Annual golf getaway with friends. Chicago edition. This is great and digging the restaurant.
Jun 23rd, 2024
This was so good. Rich, full mid-palate with a luxuriously velvety finish. The 2012 vintage is in such a good drinking window right now.
This was so good. Rich, full mid-palate with a luxuriously velvety finish. The 2012 vintage is in such a good drinking window right now.
Dec 21st, 2019I have an affinity to Mike Smith wines. Let this baby breathe for a couple hours and it opens up well. Prime for drinking now — bold, dense fruit flavor that you’d come to expect from a Napa cab powerhouse wine maker. Full body and long peppery finish. Still a winner in my book.
I have an affinity to Mike Smith wines. Let this baby breathe for a couple hours and it opens up well. Prime for drinking now — bold, dense fruit flavor that you’d come to expect from a Napa cab powerhouse wine maker. Full body and long peppery finish. Still a winner in my book.
May 18th, 2019