The Crane Assembly Disciples 2017
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Blend: 64% Zinfandel, 18% Petite Sirah, 13% Grenache, 5% Syrah
Other Vintages
2018-
Wilfred
Wong
-
Robert
Parker
The Crane Assembly was founded in 2012 by friends Dave Phinney, Darryl Browman, Kevin A. Fox and Byran Sandoli when they purchased one of Napa Valley’s historic viticultural landmarks. An eight-acre vineyard that was planted by the famous Dr. George Beldon Crane. Located in the gravel rich soils of southern St. Helena, it is believed that Dr. Crane first established grapes on this site in 1885, making it one of the oldest vineyards in Napa Valley.
Of the eight acres in production, approximately four acres are a combination of Crane’s original plantings and some newer (1930) “mixed blacks” plantings. This four-acre block has been continuously farmed for nearly one hundred and thirty years by a number of different people…and now it is our turn to take on that responsibility. In addition to the G.B. Crane Vineyard’s old vine section, there is also a 1.6-acre block of Cabernet Sauvignon, a 1.4-acre block of Petite Sirah, and two rows of Merlot.
From their estate, they produce two wines, a Cabernet Sauvignon and a field blend born from G.B. Crane’s original plantings named el Coco. In addition to their two estate wines they craft a third wine, a zinfandel blend from heritage vineyards found throughout the Napa Valley named Disciples.
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!