The Crane Assembly G.B. Crane Vineyard el Coco 2016
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Robert
Parker
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A blend of 62% Zinfandel, 32% Petite Sirah and 6% Merlot, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2016 G.B. Crane Vineyard el Coco sings of dried plums, cherry cordial and Christmas pudding with nuances of potpourri, Ceylon tea, roses and Chinese five spice. Wow—the palate is super concentrated with voluptuous fruit and a plush frame plus plenty of freshness, finishing very long.
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2015-
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.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.