The Crane Assembly Disciples Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2024

In 1858, when most believed grapes had no business growing in this corner of St. Helena, Dr. George Beldon Crane planted anyway. On an alluvial fan at the base of the Mayacamas, he introduced Napa to vinifera — a field blend of "mixed blacks" meant to rival the best wines in the world. Zinfandel. Petite Sirah. Carignan. Alicante. Mourvèdre. Vines that, against all logic, took hold. Nearly two centuries later, those vines are still here.

For 168 years, this four-acre block has been continuously farmed — through phylloxera, prohibition, reinvention — quietly becoming one of Napa's most storied sites. Now it turns another page. The Crane Assembly is under new stewardship. In 2022, Vail and Leslie Miller — fresh off the sale of their family's century-old distribution company, Heidelberg — purchased both the vineyard and brand. With the 2023 vintage, they brought in Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitzky to guide the next era. And wow, does it show.

The latest release carries the historic density and power of Crane's old vines — but there's new precision here. Lift. Line. A kind of architectural clarity layered over that unmistakable Napa depth. This is exactly why we love our job: to highlight the moments when heritage meets momentum. When a vineyard you thought you knew suddenly feels electric again.

The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc offers bright aromatics of citrus blossom, white peach, and crushed stone lead into notes of spearmint, fresh grass, and tropical fruit. The palate is vibrant and textured, with lemon curd, key lime, and tangerine layered over ripe stone fruit. A touch of sweetness and subtle French oak add depth, finishing long and juicy with a savory edge and a hint of mint. A vivid expression of Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc - refined, refreshing, and food-friendly.