2017 looks to be a brilliant vintage for Beckstoffer’s better-vale Bordeaux blend from his new estate at the foot of Howell Mountain.
Indeed, Suckling rates it equal to the flagship 2016 Dancing Hares Red in its best vintage yet, 2016. And CellarTracker rates it above the 2016 Mad Hatter.
The winery says:
Since the first vintage in 2003, our goal with Mad Hatter has been to craft an elegant Bordeaux blend using grapes grown throughout the Napa Valley. The 2017 vintage aptly continues that commitment, with vineyards in St Helena, Rutherford, Coombsville, Calistoga, and Diamond Mountain.
Under the winemaking and farming direction of Shawn Johnson and Tuck Beckstoffer, vineyard blocks were selected with a blend of micro climates and soils to highlight the best Napa Valley has to offer, creating a wine with complex aromas, purity of fruit, balance and a long silky finish.
Our 2017 Mad Hatter expresses aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate and toasted almonds. In the mouth, flavors of blackberry, licorice and plum come forth to enhance a full mouthfeel and silky finish.
Suckling says:
Plenty of ripe blueberry and plum aromas here with a swathe of violet-like florals, too. The palate is succulent and fleshy with a long array of plush, supple tannins that carry ample depth and rich, fresh fruit to the finish.
