The Crane Assembly G.B. Crane Vineyard George Red Wine St. Helena 2023

For years, The Crane Assembly's 'George' (formerly known as El Coco) has been a perennial favorite here at ACME: a soulful, old-vine field blend from one of Napa's oldest producing vineyards, planted in 1860 by Dr. George Belden Crane, the visionary often called "The Godfather of Napa Valley Wine." Dr. Crane planted this site against all common sense — dense brushland, no irrigation, and a chorus of neighbors convinced grapes would never thrive here. But he had studied the great vineyards of Europe and believed Napa's soils and climate could rival the best in the world. He bet on terroir over convention, and more than 165 years later, the proof is in every bottle.

This 2023 release marks a thrilling new chapter where tradition meets fresh inspiration. The reins have now been handed to two of Napa's most celebrated minds, Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitzky, whose inaugural vintage brings heightened refinement and precision while honoring the vineyard's historic power. And wow, does it show!

2023 will go down as one of Napa’s greats, a year where patience paid off in spades. A consistently cool, extended growing season delivered gentle ripening, vibrant acidity, and impressive phenolic depth. With no disruptive heat spikes, the vines developed concentration without sacrificing energy. The resulting wines are classic Napa in the truest sense: expressive yet poised, powerful yet finely structured, built for both early pleasure and decades of evolution.

A 50/50 blend of old-vine Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, the 2023 'George' opens slowly like an old story retold by someone who knows every detail. Aromas of cardamom, clove, and mocha unfold into violet, plum, and blackberry, framed by savory herbs and dusty minerality. The palate is polished yet generous, with dark cherry, spice, and a cedar-laced finish carried by supple tannins.

This is Crane Assembly twice refined — the vineyard's soulful past meeting Melka’s modern precision. A legacy not merely preserved, but elevated.