Wine Sense Two Cents

75 Beckstoffer Amber Knolls winery was founded by long time Napa native Tuck Beckstoffer with its first release in 2004. Tuck Beckstoffer produces a number of wines including: Mockingbird, Semper Wines, Victory Vineyards, and Vinifera. Tuck’s father is Andy Beckstoffer, who moved to the Napa area in the late 1960’s, has been working with grapes and acquiring land in California since 1969, and Napa since 1975 (hence the name 75 Wine Co.). They are now the largest private landholders and independent family grape growers in Napa Valley. They sell grapes to premium wine producers: Paul Hobbs, Plumpjack, Caymus, Duckhorn, Merryvale, Provenance, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, and Clos du Val. Tuck has worked at Cakebread Cellars and Far Niente. Tuck is not just a winemaker…he was a crew member of the 1987 America’s Cup winning Stars and Stripes…and he owns Private Reserve Jets, a private jet service company.

In the late 1990’s the Beckstoffer family purchased 600 acres in the Red Hills appellation of Lake County and named it “Beckstoffer Amber Knolls Vineyard”. They determined that the soils and micro climate were perfect for growing ultra premium Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Their vineyard in the Red Hills runs from about 1500 feet up to 2600 feet - the highest points of this appellation are slightly above 3000 feet, much higher than what you will find in Napa. It was a major challenge to prepare the land for vineyards. They removed boulders of obsidian the size of cars. The shallow soils in this region are red and extremely rocky all composed of black glassy obsidian rock and gravel and there is excellent drainage. These are the perfect stress soils & conditions (or lack of soil) for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. Lake County has the cleanest air in California, the third cleanest air in the United States, and sits at the highest section between the Vaca mountain range and the Mayacamas mountain range. All grapes are organically grown and sustainably farmed.

Our Everyday Price $19.99/bottle
One-day In-store Price $16.99/bottle
3 Bottles or More $15.99/bottle

Kristin’s Three Reasons to Buy this Wine:

Tuck Beckstoffer’s specialty in the wine business is farming; he grew up working among the vines and quickly learned to recognize high quality vineyards. As a result he very carefully selects premium sites for his own wines. You will never find bulk wine used for any of his labels, even the entry level wines. He is fortunate to be able to choose grapes from the plethora of vineyards his family owns. His focus is on over-delivering quality of wine at a reasonable price.

An incredible value for under $20. Definitely one of my top 5 California Cabs for under $20. It actually wouldn’t surprise me if someone told me the wine was $25-$35 a bottle.

Flavor Profile: Blueberry, Blackberry, Cherry & Cranberry aromas. Notes of spicy oak. Layers of earthy spices, vanilla and cocoa. Smoothly textured, well-balanced tannins with a long, smooth finish. It goes down way too easy! It is rich, jammy and delicious.

Wine: 75 Amber Knolls Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Region: Lake County, CA
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Lifespan: Drink now thru 2011

Cheese Pairings: Aged Cheddar or Gouda
Food Pairings: Steak, Grilled Tuna, Stuffed Baked Potatoes

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Wine Sense
749 Park Ave
(585) 271-0590
Monday through Friday: 10am-8pm
Saturday: 10am-6pm
Sunday: 12pm-5pm