2019 GIII


“The fruit component is very bright and lush. It’s aromatic and drinkable at a young age, but also ages well.” — Carol Schrader
  • Vintage 2019
  • Alcohol 14.5%
  • Vineyard Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard
  • Appellation Rutherford, Napa Valley
  • Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Clone Pure Clone 337
  • Cooperage Aged in 100% new Darnajou and Taransaud French oak barrels
  • Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown
  • Tasting Notes

    The wildly aromatic 2019 Schrader GIII offers an abundant bouquet of ripe cherries, red currants, and crème de cassis with enticing notes of exotic spices, sandalwood, and mocha, as well as citrus and floral blossoms. Medium- to full-bodied, the generous red and blue fruit flavors are well balanced by great natural acidity, well-integrated tannins, and a supple, creamy mouthfeel. Vivacious and charming, the brilliant fruit and spice qualities shine brightly in this wine and deliciously carry through the long, satisfying finish.

  • Accolades

    97 Pts “Lots of classic darker, herbal notes define the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard, a rich, medium to full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. With air, more chocolate, espresso, and spice notes emerge from the glass, and this medium to full-bodied, textured, ripe, yet also elegant 2019 is going to drink brilliantly for another 20 years or so.”
    — Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com

    94 Pts “A rock-solid Cabernet, with cassis and dark plum stitched together with dusty earth and iron notes, all set into an alder and savory frame. Grippy back end, but the fruit keeps pace and there's a buried violet note for purity. Best from 2023 through 2036.”
    — James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

  • Vineyard

    Planted in the 1800s and located in Rutherford, Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard holds true to our commitment to sourcing fruit from the most historic vineyards of the highest acclaim. The grapes for our Schrader GIII originate from a specific section of the vineyard that was formerly part of the Napa River. In the mid-20th century, the Army Corps of Engineers shifted the banks of the river for flood prevention. As a result, the section of the vineyard where our grapes are planted benefited from an abundance of minerals and rocks left by the riverbed. Distinct from the surrounding terroir, our fruit grows to be incredibly concentrated with lustrous character.

  • Vintage

    A cool vintage overall, the picking windows for 2019 were very long, which gave us the luxury of harvesting each different vineyard block at the perfect level of ripeness. The moment we pressed the grapes, we knew this wine was heading toward greatness. It’s exhibiting remarkable freshness that perfectly balances its flavor concentration and compares to the exceptional 2001/2002 vintages for tannins and acidity. Wonderfully enjoyable at release but will also be an ideal addition to your cellar for many years to come.