2005 Karl Lawrence Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5ltr

Karl Lawrence was founded in 1991 when Michael Karl Trujillo and Bryan Lawrence Henry combined their middle names to come up with a name for their wine venture. Ric Henry was also an owner. Trujillo grew up in Colorado and has had a long and successful career in winemaking in Napa Valley, where he started with Sequoia Grove in 1982 and is now company president. Through the 1990s Karl Lawrence sourced most of its grapes from Gary Morisoli’s Rutherford vineyard, and a small amount from a part of the Herb Lamb Vineyard that is outside of the Howell Mountain AVA. Starting in 2000 Karl Lawrence sourced grapes from Beckstoffer’s To Kalon and Dr. Crane vineyards. Karl Lawrence made premium Cabernet Sauvignon in small quantities and earned acclaim from wine writers. Karl Lawrence ended production with the 2010 vintage after its owners decided to pursue other business interests.

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.