2019 The Crane Assembly GB Crane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon St Helena, USA

(95 Points) A big, bold wine from the estate vineyard in southern St. Helena, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon G.B. Crane Vineyard weighs in at 15.7% alcohol on the label, but it carries it well. Yes, it's super ripe in its black cherries and dark chocolate notes, its considerable weight and richness and its supple, melted tannins, but any heat is subsumed under the wine's substance. No, it won't be for classicists, but it is a hedonist's delight. I suggest drinking it on the young side, while the fruit still carries the day. (JC) Wine Advocate Review Date: 07/2024

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In 2019, the G.B. Crane Vineyard experienced a wet winter and spring followed by above average temperatures throughout the summer without any major heat spikes. As a result, our vines struggled just the right amount to produce berries of immense concentration. We harvested our Cabernet Sauvignon two weeks earlier than in 2018, in the early mornings of October 9th and 14th. Upon receiving the grapes in the winery, we implemented a four-day cold soak followed by a long, cool fermentation, for a total of 23 days on skins. Aged 20 months in French Oak, 60% new, we bottled the 123 cases in August 2021, allowing for a few years in bottle before its release.

Production

5 Barrels

Blend Composition

92% Cabernet Sauvignon | 4% Merlot | 4% Petite Sirah

Tasting Notes

The 2019 G.B. Crane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon pours a deep garnet core with a vivacious ruby red rim. Immediate aromatics of cassis, pluot, black cherry, garrigue and sweet oak come from the glass. Layered notes of raspberry, dark chocolate and blackberry are wrapped within a silky smooth and elegant body with intensity and energy. The consistent tension of acidity keeps the palate balanced with ripe tannins and lengthy closing notes of black licorice and fennel.

Kevin A. Fox - Winemaker