Dense, saturated, and incredibly deep purple to the rim, and black at the core, the color is mesmerizing. The nose is a heady blueberry compote, blueberry/black raspberry pie with a sweet graham cracker, floral, plum, and cherry liqueur bouquet. Mouth-filling and full-bodied, yet somehow light on its feet, with remarkably balanced tannins, and a long, sweet, chocolate, blue and black fruity finish.
98 POINTS - Jeb Dunnuck
"The 2018 Cabernet Franc Lithology Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard checks in at 92% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon that, like the To Kalon Cabernet Franc, was fermented in a mix of tank and puncheons and spent 20 months in 68% new French oak. It has a slightly darker, more earthy style in its black currants, dark chocolate, leafy herbs, smoked earth, and truffle-like aromatics. These carry to a full-bodied red with perfect balance, beautiful tannins, and just everything in the right place. It's going to benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and should keep for two decades." - 1/27/2021
96 POINTS - The Wine Advocate
"The 2018 Lithology Cabernet Franc Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard has a deep garnet-purple color and drop-dead gorgeous notes of kirsch, blackberry preserves, redcurrant jelly, and raspberry leaves, with suggestions of pencil shavings, wild thyme, and tilled soil. The full-bodied palate is tightly wound with red and blackberry layers intertwined with mineral accents and framed by firm, grainy tannins, finishing long and lifted." - 7/30/21