2017 Schrader, Colesworthy Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley - Magnum

The Schrader Colesworthy bottling from Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard represents a precise expression of this distinguished St. Helena site, meticulously guided by Thomas Rivers Brown's winemaking to select exceptional barrel lots. Located at the foot of Spring Mountain, the vineyard's name "Las Piedras" (the pebbles) aptly describes its gravelly, fast-draining soils, which stress the vines to produce concentrated, thick-skinned Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The near-perfect 2016 growing season, characterized by a long, moderate arc with minimal heat spikes and consistently cool nights, allowed for gradual phenolic development and crucial acid retention. This culminated in a Cabernet Sauvignon defined by a framework of firm, ripe tannins and a vibrant mid-palate, showcasing both profound textural depth and site-specific delineation. Aged in 100% new Darnajou French oak, the wine exhibits a muscular yet elegant structure.