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%
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.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
