The Crane Assembly G.B. Crane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

97+ Points - limited release                                         Limited new Cabernet from Dave Phinney's new winery The Crane Assembly - limited. The winemaker behind these magnificent wines is Dave Phinney, working from the Dr. George Beldon Crane Vineyard, which was first planted as a site in 1885. At that time it was largely a blend of grapes often referred to as “mixed blacks.” There are now eight acres in production, four containing the original plantings and the rest planted from 1930 onward. Phinney and a group of his friends purchased the vineyard in 2012. These notes reflect what they’re doing to date and serious consumers should be thrilled. Only 4 barrels produced, this is a tiny production gem. From the new winery The Crane Assembly has quite a back story.  In August of 2012, four friends (Dave Phinney, Darryl Browman, Kevin A. Fox and Bryan D. Sandoli) stood in the middle of a block of hundred year old Zinfandel. The vineyard was planted by George Beldon Crane in the late nineteenth century and is one of the icons of the Napa Valley. Hours earlier they had signed the paperwork to buy the vineyard and it was just in the nick of time...they picked the grapes the next morning.  Since that first year wines were made from our G.B. Crane Vineyard under the el Coco label and the GB Crane label. previous vintage 97+ Points Robert Parker: "Composed of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 5% Petite Sirah, the Cabernet Sauvignon G.B. Crane Vineyard is deep garnet-purple in color and scented of cassis, black cherries and warm plums with touches of pencil shavings, wood smoke, fertile soil and yeast extract with a waft of menthol. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and wonderful freshness with intense flavors, finishing long. 299 cases produced...

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