Oak Knoll District - Napa Valley, California
At WineHeist we are always on the lookout for under the radar wineries that are new to us and offering great wines at reasonable prices. But when we find one we like, there is nothing better than finding out that they have several wines available that we can offer our customers throughout the year. Such was the case when we found out we were able to secure a small allocation of the 2006 Crane Brothers estate Cabernet, a wine so rare that only 96 cases were produced. We jumped at the chance to land this beauty from what is quickly becoming one of our favorite small, family-owned and operated producers.
The Crane Ranch is located in Napa’s Oak Knoll district, far enough up-valley to have the warmth needed to ripen thick skinned Cabernet Sauvignon, but close enough to the cooling influence of the San Pablo Bay to prevent dehydration from causing over-ripe flavors in the grapes. The 2006 Crane Brothers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon has 5% Merlot blended in as well, to give the palate just a little bit of lift and add liveliness. Deep ruby red in the glass, with a purple core, the nose is classic Napa Cabernet, with blackberry, black currant, and hints of tobacco. The palate is rich and layered, with cassis, black cherry, vanilla and a hint of cocoa, yet good acidity keeps it from becoming too heavy, and smooth tannins linger on a long, pleasing finish. This wine perfectly exemplifies why Napa Cabernet is such a joy to drink, as it is both fruity and almost sweet making it perfect for drinking on its own, while at the same time remaining a serious wine capable of long-term cellaring or pairing with a variety of foods. A Napa Cabernet of this quality for under $50 is very rare; at $33 this is an absolute steal. With the holidays approaching at an alarming speed, and the long cold winter months ahead, stock up on this one while you have the chance, and it will provide plenty of comfort throughout the winter!
Grape Sourcing: Crane Ranch Vineyard, Oak Knoll Appellation
Varietal Composition: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon & 5% Merlot
Alcohol: 14.5%
Winemaking: Hand harvested in cool morning hours. Fermented in small temperature controlled tanks. Hand sorted & cold soaked for 48 hours.
Harvest Date: October 30th
Cooperage: 20 months of aging in French Oak barrels (60% new oak)
Production: 96 Cases
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.
96 Point Vintage
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
94 Points
Opulent dark fruited with blackberry and ironstone mineral character, blue fruit notes, and violets with crushed cocoa nibs nuances and a long dark chocolate and mineral-scented finish. Ultra delicious and quite lengthy.
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.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
94 Points
Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with vibrant notes of fresh black currants, kirsch, and mulberries... Full-bodied, the palate delivers a firm line of grainy tannins with bold freshness to frame the muscular black fruit, finishing long and cedary.
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.
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