Crane Brothers
2007 Syrah, Napa Valley
Estate Vineyard, Oak Knoll District

93 Points - Wine & Spirits
91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Gold Medal - San Francisco International Wine Competition

The Crane Brothers' 9 acre ranch in the Oak Knoll has been the source of some our favorite wines coming out of the Napa Valley over the past few years.  While they do a great job with Napa's flagship, Cabernet Sauvignon, we have really been impressed by their Syrah as well, which does extremely well in certain parts of the Valley when farmed correctly.  This family vineyard is farmed organically and sustainably, and the winemaking is done by Al Perry, winemaker and co-owner of Robert Biale, so he is no stranger to working with Syrah.  The result is a wonderfully balanced a rich Syrah, with the 2007 vintage garnering 93 points from Wine & Spirits magazine, and 91 points from Wine Enthusiast.

The 2007 Crane Bros. Ranch Syrah is garnet in color, with a nose that screams Syrah: smoked bacon, dark berry, and maple aromas fill the room when this wine is poured.  The palate is medium to full bodied, with berry, cherry, pepper, spice, and cedar notes woven together seamlessly.  Rich yet balanced, with good acidity, this wine has great presence, with a finish that goes on and on.  Perfect for a cheeseburger, this is a great accompaniment to a backyard barbecue, and at just $27 offers the concentration of a wine twice the price.

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
Cooperage:  16 months of aging in French Oak barrels (40% new oak)
Alcohol:  14.8%

About The Winery...

Crane Brothers Napa Valley Wines are all estate grown, single vineyard, and very small production from the family owned Crane Ranch Vineyard.  Third generation Napa Valley natives Michael and Robert Crane and winemaker Al Perry have made great wines together since the 2001 vintage.  Located in The Oak Knoll District of the Napa Valley, the 9 acre, organically and sustainably farmed Crane Ranch Vineyard is planted on bench land and hillside, above the valley floor.  The unique microclimate of warm sunny days and cool breezy evenings, along with custom hand farming, allow their Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot grapes to develop intense flavor, color, and aroma. Their richly flavored, full bodied wines are hand crafted and aged only in French oak barrels.  Production is limited to less than 400 cases annually of each of their four wines: Syrah, Merlot, Hillside Block Cabernet Sauvignon and Crane Brothers Brodatious.

Learn more at www.cranebrotherswine.com

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