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
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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