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Wednesday, August 24, 2016

New G.B. Crane Vineyards - very limited


New wines from Dave Phinney and friends




2013 G.B. Crane Vineyards El Coco...$75.99
2013 el Coco Blend Composition 47% Old Vine Zinfandel 42% Petite Sirah 9% Merlot 2% Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting Notes Rich aromatics of dark stone fruits and soft French oak mingle together to frame a very sophisticated entry with more than ample weight. The bright mid-pallet is replete with waves of concentration. High tones of ripe cherries and cassis come together and coat the mouth in richness. The finish is broad and expansive and lingers elegantly for over half a minute. Winemaker – Kevin A. Fox



2014 G.B. Crane Vineyard Disciples Red Wine...$45.99
Inaugural Vintage
Production: 1500 cases
93% Old Vine Zinfandel -- 7% Petite Sirah
In August of 2012, four friends stood in the middle of a block of hundred year old Zinfandel. The vineyard was planted by George Beldon Crane in the late nineteenth century and is one of the icons of the Napa Valley. Hours earlier they had signed the paperwork to buy the vineyard and it was just in the nick of time...they picked the grapes the next morning.

Since that first year wines were made from our G.B. Crane Vineyard under the el Coco label and the GB Crane label. In an attempt to replicate the style and structure of the wines of the Crane vineyard the four friends began sourcing from other iconic vineyards in the area. They began with the Morisoli vineyard in Rutherford and the Milat vineyard in St. Helena, they considered these vineyards to be like disciples of the ancient vines of Crane, and indeed some barrels from our G.B. Crane Crane vineyard were included in the blend. They have continued to source grapes from these two vineyards and have found other such bespoke vineyards or disciples to complement the blend. Every year the search will continue and vineyards will be added. The goal is to create a blend that combines these wines, separate among equals, they are the disciples of Crane.

Tasting Notes:  Dark crimson in color, the strong, classic Zinfandel aromas of briar fruit and wild strawberries jump out of the glass and are complemented by hints of wet forest floor and high mountain forest. The entry gives way to a rich and textured mid palate of Mexican chocolate, brambly raspberry and a lengthy, caramelized crème Anglaise finish. This wine is a unique expression of old vine Zinfandel grown in the gravel-rich alluvial soils at the base of the Mayacamas mountain range.
Winemaker: Kevin A. Fox



2012 G.B. Crane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon...$226.99 / bottle
or $640 / 3 pack bamboo case
Inaugural Vintage
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.
Winemaker: Dave Phinney
Blend Composition:  97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot & 1% Petite Sirah

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