2017 Boich Family Cellar Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Boich Family Cellar is a new Napa Valley venture started by John Boich. The estate makes single vineyard wines with grapes sourced from some of Napa’s most prestigious vineyards, including Howell Mountain Vineyard, Wall Road Vineyard, and Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard. Jeff Ames, one of the valley’s most sought after winemakers, is winemaker for Boich. Ames is a former assistant to star winemaker Thomas Brown, and Ames also has made wine for Schrader and Tor Kenward, among others. The 2014 vintages are in the debut releases, and Boich Family production is limited to about 900 cases. The wine is generally available only through a mailing list. Robert M. Parker Jr. called the 2014 Boich Family Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon a “magnificent Cabernet Sauvignon from a first-growth vineyard that once was the backbone for many of the famous BV Private Reserves of the 1950s and 60s.”

Oakville AVA is one of the two or three most prestigious appellations in the United States. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, its 5,000 vineyard acres produce some of the world’s most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, including such California “cult” Cabs as Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate. Before those boutique producers rose to fame in the 1990s, Oakville was already renowned as home to Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Groth Vineyards, among others. Along with the famous wineries, there are premier vineyards in this AVA, including Martha’s Vineyard and To Kalon Vineyard. To Kalon was first planted in 1868 by H.W. Crabb, one of California’s first viticultural researchers, and he named the vineyard after the ancient Greek phrase for “most beautiful.” Though many grapes can be successfully grown in Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon is king. Merlot and Chardonnay are also frequently planted. Oakville Cabs are prized for their richness, complexity and weight. Oakville was designated as an AVA in 1993.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.