The Crane Assembly Disciples Red Blend Napa Valley 2018

It’s not often that you truly get to taste California winemaking history. You’ve heard the claim before – “this is one of the oldest vineyards in Napa!”. This statement is not always true, but in the case of the wines from The Crane Assembly, it most certainly is!

The vineyard in question, affectionately called the G. B. Crane after its pioneer George Beldon Crane, was originally planted in 1885. Although records are scare, it was likely planted to a field blend called “mixed blacks” which would traditionally consist of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Carignan. Today, after more than 130 years of farming, 4 of the 8 acres are still planted to the original old-vine Zinfandel, in all its head-trained and gnarled glory!

The Crane Assembly was founded in 2012 by four long-time friends in the Napa Valley – winemakers Dave Phinney (of Orin Swift fame) and his winemaker Kevin Fox, and business partners Bryan Sandoli (former President of Orin Swift) and Darryl Browman (co-owner of Cavus Vineyards in the Stag’s Leap District). This rockstar lineup purchased the historic G. B. Crane vineyard with a common goal to preserve this piece of Napa Valley history and produce wines that both represent and respect the story of these vines. After launching their first wine from the property, an estate field blend called el Coco, followed by the blockbuster G.B. Crane, Dave Phinney launched a new project which pays homage to famed and celebrated early Zinfandel and Petite Sirah heritage vineyards he calls “DISCIPLES” from around Napa Valley. And so today, I have the pleasure of offering you the current release of a most mesmerizing red blend!!!

To replicate the style and structure of the G.B. Crane Vineyard, the Crane Assembly has sourced fruit from meticulously farmed, historic vineyards in the valley. The backbone of the 2018 Disciples comes from the Morisoli Vineyard in Rutherford and the Tofanelli Vineyard in Calistoga. The Morisoli’s have been farming their ranch since 1929, growing some of Napa’s most coveted traditional field blend varietals. For lovers of Juicy red blends that pack a punch while having lift and a liveliness the savor, look no further! This red blend is deep, richly baritone, smooth and seductive. A blend of 49% Zinfandel, 19% Petite Sirah, 10% Charbono, 9% Grenache, 7% Syrah, 6% Merlot. 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 pluots, with a very long, dusty finish of strawberry cream, vanilla and caramelized sugar that lingers.... smooth and luscious!