2012 Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena (2/11/2026)
My first half-glass of wine in 6 weeks after getting medical clearance. 90 minute decant. This wine has another 10 years, at least, to go. Dark red fruits, dark berries, spiciness, with a breadth and depth that you get from a good Cali Cabernet vintage. It is seemlessly smooth and lusciouos. Not shy on the flavor, and no negative characteristics like brett, dirty corral floor or horse sweat. I was lucky to get my half glass because my wife and son finished off the rest. I do not know if this is just a linear predecessor to the Elysian bottling, which is an OMG wine. RMP says that this is separate from that. This may poke its nose above the 95 point OMG Exceptional line in a few years. I have had some great 2012 Napa Cabs and this is another one. (94 points)
I enjoy the in your face, up front favor profile. in 2018, I had friends for dinner and we were outside on the deck grilling ribs. After a Tercero rose with apps and a Mitolo GAM, we needed another bottle. I went down to the cellar and grabbed a bottle that I thought was the Myriad regular cuvee. We popped and poured at cellar temperature. My friend took the first taste and said, “wow!” I was not expecting that result, so I tasted it and it was phenomenal. After looking more closely at the bottle, it was the 2012 Elysian with the “Elysian” in tiny type. I am more careful now when I open a bottle.
LOL. I echo the happiness that you’re well on the mend, Jay, and thanks for posting this note on an older Myriad, terrific to read that it’s held up so well.