Very deep opaque garnet-black in color, the 2015 Lithology Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras gives up notions of baked red and black plums, black cherries and earth with hints of dried herbs, cigar box and underbrush, plus a waft of potpourri. Full-bodied, concentrated and packed with black berry and baking spice layers, it has a solid backbone of grainy tannins and a refreshing lift on the long finish.

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Lithology Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard is dense, powerful and closed in on itself, which is not surprising given the personality of this St. Helena site. The most reticent of the 2015s, the Piedras is going to need at least a few years to come into its own. This rich, unctuous Cabernet is full of character.