In 2016, California experienced a fourth year of severe drought conditions. However, the vines responded with fortitude, and the vintage was a standout for Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley. Intensity of flavor and depth of concentration harnessed the full potential of the region. Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III basked in hot, dry conditions, and the fruit ripened naturally to a condition of exceptional flavors and ripe tannins. The resulting wine is bold and rich, with ample structure. We were able to pick at optimal maturity to create a beautifully balanced Cabernet Sauvignon with silky smooth textures that showcase the classic Rutherford Dust.
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Jeb Dunnuck
"This iconic site in Rutherford can produce mixed results (it’s a big vineyard), yet the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III from Sojourn is a killer bottle of wine. Revealing a deep ruby/plum hue as well as loads of crème de cassis, earthy spices, cedar, chocolate, and new leather, it has an old school, focused, almost Pauillac-like style, full-bodied richness, and a great finish. It’s going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and drink spectacularly well for 20-25 years." - Jeb Dunnuck
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Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate
"Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III rolls out of the glass with expressive notions of baked blackberries, blackcurrant pastilles and mulberries with hints of cast-iron pan, garrigue, dusty soil and bay leaves plus a waft of cinnamon stick. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals bright, cheery black fruits complemented by a plush texture and just enough freshness, finishing long and savory." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate
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International Wine Report
"The ‘Beckstoffer Georges III’ is a gorgeous wine by Sojourn and winemaker Erich Bradley. On the nose this takes on some classic Rutherford terroir with dusty earth, Creme de cassis and anise aromatics with a touch of milk chocolate. Showing a good combination of viscosity and tension on the mid-palate, this yields ripe boysenberry cordial, black tea, Creme de cassis and red bell pepper flavors that are enveloped by toasty oak. This has some serious range as this warm vintage wine shows not only copious dark fruits but good terroir. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next two decades. Drink 2019-2040." - Dr. Owen Bargreen, International Wine Report
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California Grapevine
"Medium-dark ruby; attractive, deep, rich, ripe, spicy, complex, black cherry, cassis, and blackberry fruit aroma with hints of vanilla, tobacco leaf, dried herbs, and graphite; full body; deep, rich, ripe, textured, concentrated, nicely balanced, red and black fruit flavors with undertones of toasty oak, herbal notes, a hint of chocolate, and also showing some elegance in the mouthfeel; full tannin; lingering aftertaste." - California Grapevine
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James Suckling
"The super ripe cassis and vanilla aromas pour from the glass of this rich and smooth Napa cabernet. The discreet tannins underline the richness nicely and the finish is long with an attractive, bitter-chocolate quality. " - James Suckling, James Suckling
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Wine Enthusiast
"Robust in dark cherry-cordial flavor and a taste of sage, this is a powerfully concentrated and boldly ripe wine, 100% varietal and from the famous site. Tannins are dusty and substantial, providing structure within the thick concentration." - Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III
Rutherford, Napa Valley
Sojourn is honored to source fruit from Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III, a famed property developed by winemaking pioneer Georges de Latour in 1928 and cultivated by the legendary Andre Tschelistcheff.