Williams Selyem 2016 Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III Cabernet Sauvignon, 750mL, $195.00 ea.

WINE TALK
1

I rarely log on to my account outside Spring and Fall releases. But saw this when I just did. There was no email that’s one surprise… then… it’s a Napa Cab? [scratch.gif]

2

Paging Blake Brown…

3

They made a cab a few years ago, as well. Very soft on the palate. I’d say similar to Rivers Marie or EMH.

4

This is what I received via email:

"We are absolutely thrilled to add a fabulous new Williams Selyem Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard designate to our already stellar line-up of extraordinary offerings. The Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III was one of the original Beaulieu Vineyard sites, and was a key component to the Georges de Latour bottling which was a benchmark Cabernet for many years under André Tchelistcheff, who is often referred to as America’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker. Located in the Rutherford Bench adjacent to the Silverado Trail in Napa, the site features well-drained river gravel soils and allows for a long, slow ripening process.

Quantities of the inaugural vintage of the Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III Cabernet Sauvignon are very limited and are not being offered to our entire mailing list. You are receiving this offer because you’ve previously expressed an interest in Cabernet Sauvignon. If you are not interested in this or future offerings of Cabernet Sauvignon, please let us know and we will remove you from this list.

2016 Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III Cabernet Sauvignon ($195)
“The inaugural vintage shows a color so dense it’s nearly opaque. Notes of currant and boysenberry mix with elements of lavender and purple flowers which give a wonderful lift to the nose. With aeration, aromas of mountain blueberry come through along with hints of crème de cassis. Hints of vanilla, nutmeg, and cigar box add additional layers of complexity in this classically-styled Cabernet from this renowned site.
In the mouth, the wine saturates the palate with black fruits and refined tannin. There is a polish that can only come from a top-notch site such as Georges III. Hints of tobacco and earth add a layer in the middle palate, while the wine finishes with loaminess and minerality. Sound acidity frames the flavors and offers both lift and length on the tongue.
The Rutherford AVA is known for wine with polish and elegance and this example from the historic site delivers exactly that. Aged for 19 months in French oak barrels, this wine will continue to develop over the next decade.” - VP of Winemaking Jeff Mangahas

Again, quantities of this new offering are very limited and, as usual, are available on a first come, first served basis. Orders will be shipped or made available for pickup in October and November during the same timeframe as Fall 2019 release orders, schedule below. Unfortunately, we will not be able to combine Cabernet orders with fall release orders."

5

Thanks for sharing. By “inaugural vintage” this is becoming a regular release? An interesting move.

6

2008 was their Haystack Peak cab release. Maybe now they have an ongoing grape source?

7

Thanks. 2008 was the only vintage? The other 3 on CT just don’t look right.

It’s not even listed on the winery website.

8

Hmmm, I’ve only seen the one.

I am such an utter dumbass, I think I filed my other bottles in some unmarked boxes and can’t find any to check.

I will keep looking.

I think they were 80 bucks back then.

9

WTF? Where did that come from? $195. Talk amongst yourselves.