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
94 Points
Decadent, rich, and supple. Aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate, crushed stone, dried herbs, and cedar lead into layered notes of cassis, fennel, baked plums, mocha powder, and cigars dusted with roasted Herbs de Provence, earth and red volcanic mineral notes. Full-bodied and rich, with a firm spine of racy acidity and ultra-fine, gravelly tannins that carry the lasting, mouthwatering finish.
93 Points
Aromas of blackcurrant, dark plum, and cedar unfold alongside soft notes of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, structured tannins frame layers of black cherry, baking spice, and a subtle herbal lift from the Merlot blended beneath the Cabernet's backbone. Medium-bodied gem with good concentration finishing long and warm, with lingering impressions of cocoa and dried fig.
94 Points
A full-throttle, blackberry-driven red, laden with chalky minerality and layered with robust tannins. Violet scents mingle with fig and plum fruit in a medium- to full-bodied expression that hits all the right chords, delivering a pleasing one-two punch to the senses.
PDF