The Crane Assembly 2018 G.B. Crane Vineyard Disciples Red Wine Napa Valley

The Crane Assembly 2018 G.B. Crane Vineyards Disciples Red Wine Napa Valley

To replicate the style and structure of the wines of the G.B. Crane Vineyard we began sourcing from other iconic vineyards in the area. Starting in 2014 with the Morisoli Vineyard in Rutherford and the Milat Vineyard in St. Helena, these vineyards can be considered "disciples" of the ancient vines of Crane. We continue to source grapes from these two vineyards and have found other such bespoke vineyards to compliment the blend. Every year the search will continue and vineyards will be added. The goal is to create a blend that combines these wines, separate among equals, they are the disciples of Crane.

Strawberry preserves leap from the glass initially, followed by a bouquet of floral aromatics: lavender, violets and roses. Rich earthy notes of freshly plowed soil, fresh rain on warm granite and petrichor. Spicy, but not a peppery spice, more of a star anise spiciness, tart raspberries and sweet plouts, with a very long, dusty finish of strawberry cream, vanilla and caramelized sugar that lingers…smooth and luscious! Blend: 49% Zinfandel, 19% Petite Sirah, 10% Charbono, 9% Grenache, 7% Syrah, 6% Merlot

Type	Red
Varietal	49% Zinfandel, 19% Petit Sirah, 10% Charbono, 9% Grenache, 7% Syrah., 5% Merlot
Vintage	2018
Bottle size	750mL
Alcohol content	15.7%
Appellation	California – Napa Valley - St. Helena
Wine Advocate	--
Wine Enthusiast	--
Wine Spectator	--
Vinous	91

The Crane Assembly is centered around a unique eight-acre vineyard located in the gravel rich soils of southern St. Helena. It is believed that George Beldon Crane, or simply G.B. Crane, first established grapes on this site in the year 1885, making it one of the oldest vineyards in the Napa Valley. Although records are scarce, it was most likely planted as a field blend commonly known as “mixed blacks”. This field blend traditionally consisted of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignan, and a smattering of lesser-known grape varieties such as Alicante Bouschet, Mourvedre and Valdiguie.

Of the eight acres in production, approximately four acres are Crane’s original plantings. This four-acre block has been continuously farmed for nearly one hundred and thirty years by a number of different people…and now it is our turn to take on that responsibility. In addition to Crane’s old vine section, there is also a 1.6 acre block of Cabernet Sauvignon, a 1.4 acre block of Petite Sirah, and two rows of Merlot.

We are very proud of these wines and the history and tradition they represent. We encourage you to visit the vineyard and allow us to share with you all that it means to us.

Dave Phinney | Darryl Browman | Kevin A. Fox | Bryan D. Sandoli