Double Gold Medal
- 2009 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
- 2009 NY Finger Lakes Wine Competition
There is nothing we like better than finding a small producer making killer wine at a great price. We first encountered Crane Brothers when we offered their Napa Cabernet, a stunning value. An even better value is their Syrah, which is also estate grown on their family ranch in Napa’s Oak Knoll District, using organic and sustainable farming methods. In this somewhat warmer district, Syrah is able to ripen fully offering huge fruit flavor, along with softer tannin, while still having cool nights to preserve acidity.
The 2005 Crane Brothers Napa Valley Syrah is dark ruby in color, with Syrah’s trademark inky core. The nose is surprisingly red-fruit driven, with strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate, along with a damp earth character. A nose this fresh and lively is a bit unusual for Syrah, but is definitely welcome. The palate shows Syrah’s true character, with black cherry, leather, blackberry, eucalyptus and chocolate on the finish. This is rich and mouth-filling, yet without being heavy, which makes it a perfect foil for game or mushroom dishes. Syrah seems perpetually poised to become everyone’s favorite “new” red grape, but as long as it remains a little under the radar, it represents a great source of powerful, full bodied red wine at a bargain price. You simply don’t get wine with this level of intensity and focus for just $25 very often. Stock up while you can!
Grape Sourcing: Crane Ranch Vineyard, Oak Knoll Appellation
Varietal Composition: 100% Syrah
Winemaking: Hand harvested in cool morning hours Fermented in small temperature controlled tanks Hand sorted and cold soaked for 48 hours
Harvest Date: October 23rd & 27th
Cooperage: 16 months of aging in French Oak barrels (40% new oak)
Alcohol: 15%
Production: 325 Cases
95 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of black cherry, cardamom and nutmeg. The full-bodied palate is full of crunchy black fruits. It's rich and ripe firm chewy tannins provide additional structure and complexity as you make your descent into a long and flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of honey, ginger, and key lime radiate from this elegant Chardonnay. A burst of fresh citrus, lime, and star fruit enlivens the front palate upon first sip and is quickly followed by ginger and white pepper, all underscored by subtle notes of white peach and cardamom. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality give the wine excellent structure as it moves into a long, flavorful finish.
93 Points
Robust aromatics of boysenberry, blackberry, cranberry, and black cherry are the centerpiece of this wine, harmonizing with the underlying aromas of violets, sandalwood, and forest floor. The first sip opens on the palate with a rush of softness and density, and lush, savory tannins. Red berries, blackberry, and cassis envelop the tongue on the mid-palate, gently punctuated with subtle acidity followed by a long, flavorful finish.
90 Points
Aromas of cranberry, sour cherry, plum, and orange rind, complemented by hints of forest floor, pine needles, and rosemary. The wine opens with flavor of juicy red fruit supported by spicy undertones of red pepper and black tea. The freshness of its red fruit are enhanced a vibrant core of light acidity and full rich tannins all of which linger gracefully in the long finish.
94 Points
Aromas of fresh lime, verbena, and gooseberry are followed by a juicy, aromatic front palate with bright acidity that wakes up your taste buds. The heightened aromatics develop even greater complexity on the mid-palate, featuring fresh lemon and star fruit, with just a hint of green apple and mango. Gorgeous structural precision leads to a long and chiseled finish with lasting minerality.
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