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Alejandro Bulgheroni / Lithology / Waypoint
2022 · Napa Valley: St. Helena
Lithology Napa Valley Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaker Matt Sands has turned out perfect from the Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard in St. Helena with his Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in 2021. Here, a barrel sample offers Cabernet Sauvignon as 92% of the blend, with Cabernet Franc filling out the rest. In the typical Lithology style, this is an inky black wine with a sumptuously silky and satiny profile, but in 2021, there is freshness, lift, and tension. The full-bodied palate offers fine, intricate tannins that are assertive yet harmonious with the dark berry fruit. At the same time, a rich vein of iron-like minerality and earth mingles with fragrant cedarwood, herbs and slivers of dark chocolate on a long and satisfying finish—polished, expressive, and delicious, all from an exceptional site in a terrific vintage. I am absolutely a candidate for a 100-point wine and will taste it again in the early months of 2024. - Jonathan Cristaldi
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At a glance
| Winery | Alejandro Bulgheroni / Lithology / Waypoint |
| Appellation | Napa Valley: St. Helena |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Alcohol | 15.5% |
| Case format | 3x750mL |
| Certifications | Not specified |
| Crafted | Single vineyard, Philippe Melka Winemaker |
| Enjoying | Not specified |
IN THE GLASS
A closer taste.
Aroma
Blackberry and vanilla compote
Palate
Growing mid palate, terroir characters
Finish
Delectably clean, pleasant dry finish
RECOGNITION
Accolades
98 pts - International Wine Report
THE PEOPLE & THE PLACE
Alejandro Bulgheroni / Lithology / Waypoint
Napa Valley is a tale of fire and ash, molten rock, and explosive geological forces that etched their mark upon the land millennia ago. Over time, this substance has weathered and decomposed, creating soil that is rich in minerals and well-drained — the perfect conditions for exceptional grapevines to thrive. In these unique soils, our acclaimed winemakers dig a little deeper to create a distinguished collection of wines, each a powerful testament to the earth’s ability to shape and refine the flavors in your glass. Lithology, named after the study of rock formation, composition, and classification, crafts exceptional wines from the finest vineyard blocks within the Valley. Handcrafted by renowned winemakers Philippe Melka and Matt Sands, under the guidance of world-famous enologist Michel Rolland, the estate produces small lots of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. These wines reflect the unique character of their origins, particularly the esteemed Beckstoffer vineyards, allowing each sip to capture the true essence and diversity of the Valley. Waypoint Wines is an intrepid viticultural quest. From the verdant valley slopes to the stately redwood canopies, across the windswept coastal reaches to the rich peaks of volcanic earth, our vintners Matt Sands and Philippe Melka know no bounds in their search for the highest caliber vineyards in Northern California. No matter which direction their compass might point, their focus remains singular: to craft small-lot, single-vineyard wines that best represent a varietal and its unique growing location, all while ensuring each wine is absolutely delicious and infinitely drinkable. That’s our way.
Napa Valley: St. Helena
The region's location in the valley floor provides a stable growing environment. Wines grown in St. Helena exhibit rich, fruit-forward wines and smooth textures due to favorable growing conditions.
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