The 2005 Crane Brothers Cabernet is dark ruby in color. The nose is opulent with black cherry and currant, with subtle hints of mint and floral notes that keep the fruit from being overly dominant. The palate echoes the nose, yet is lighter with Bing cherry and red currant, along with plum and a vaguely herbal lift on the finish. There is a small amount of Merlot (10%) blended in, which is probably the source of the plum, as well the lush mouth-feel. Thanks to the cool hillside microclimate, this Cabernet is rich and powerful, yet clocks in at just 13.8% alcohol, which results in a beautifully precise, balanced and elegant wine that lingers on the palate. This is definitely a ripe wine, but it is also varietally true, capturing the essence of Cabernet: power and finesse. Thanks to the low alcohol level, this will pair with a wide variety of food, and it is also great with soft, rich cheese.
We have all heard it said that you can’t get good Cabernet from Napa for less than $50. Wines like this prove that this is simply not true; there are still family producers out there paying close attention to small vineyards and making beautiful, expressive wines. And when you go through WineHeist, you can get them for under $30! This is a great bargain, and you’ll be happy you have some on hand the next time someone says Napa wines have to be expensive.
Grape Sourcing: Crane Ranch Vineyard, Oak Knoll Appellation
Varietal Composition: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon & 10% Merlot
Alcohol: 13.8%
Winemaking: Hand harvested in cool morning hours Fermented in small temperature controlled tanks Hand sorted & cold soaked for 48 hours
Harvest Date: October 27th
Cooperage: 20 months of aging in French Oak barrels (60% new oak)
Production: 297 Cases
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
93 Points
A beautiful garnet color in the glass. Aromas of pomegranate, vibrant cranberry, candied strawberry, gravel, and rose perfume lead to a palate of cinnamon, clove, tea leaf, bing cherry, a touch of earth, and an opulent, fleshy texture.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
94 Points
Aromas of candied apple, lemon peel, and toasted marcona almond. The palate is rich yet finely balanced, offering a creamy texture lifted by bright acidity. Delicate and composed, it finishes with a gentle mineral snap and lingering citrus.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
