The Crane Assembly G.B. Crane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
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Soft hints of toasted French oak dominate the hugely aromatic entry and provide ample support to the generous array of fruit that provide the start to this wine. An immense mid-palate explodes with a cacophony of dense dark chocolate and ripe bing cherries. The oak found on the entry lingers and frames an almost endless finish replete with a full complement of flavors and ripe tannins.
Blend: 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 1% Petite Sirah
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2014-
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.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.