2018 Memento Mori Dr. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon

Memento Mori is a new winemaking venture started by three partners, all with backgrounds in high technology or finance. The partners are Hayes Drumwright, Adriel Lares and Adam Craun. Their winemaker is Sam Kaplan, one of Napa Valley’s rising winemaking stars. Memento Mori sources grapes from top Napa Valley vineyards, including Beckstoffer’s Dr. Crane and las Piedras Vineyards, and Weitz and Oakville Ranch Vineyards in Oakville. The estate makes a premium Cabernet Sauvignon at the rate of about 600 cases per year. It is generally available only through its mailing list, and it has impressed reviewers. Robert M. Parker Jr. awarded the 2013 vintage 97 pts and called it “brilliant.”

Dr. Crane Vineyard was originally planted in 1858 by Napa Valley pioneer Dr. George Belden Crane. It was acquired by Beckstoffer Vineyards in 1997. Located in the city of St. Helena, the 25-acre vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Beckstoffer Vineyards owns and farms more than 3,600 acres of highly prestigious grape growing vineyards in Napa Valley, Mendocino County and the Red Hills of Lake County. A senior executive with Heublein in the 1960s, Andy Beckstoffer is credited with steering Napa Valley vintners towards improving farming and the quality of the grapes used for wine. Grapes from any Beckstoffer vineyards are considered among the finest available in California.

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.