2013 The Crane Assembly GB Crane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon St Helena

(98 Points) The 2013 G. B. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon Composition is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah and 2% Merlot. This is a big boy at 15.3% natural alcohol. Nevertheless, there’s no heat to it. It is a seamless classic from Napa, with copious quantities of blackberry and blackcurrant, some Asian spice and a full-bodied, nearly massive entry on the palate, with oodles of fruit, glycerin and extract. Tannins are present, but soft and well-integrated. This is a big, juicy, compelling effort from Dave Phinney that should drink well for 30 or more years. 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. (RP)  Wine Advocate. Review Date: 10/2016