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Crane Brothers 2004 Crane Ranch Vineyard Syrah (Napa Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $36
This is quite a good Syrah from a small vineyard in the Oak Knoll area of the southern valley. Alcohol is very high (15.5%) but the wine wears it well due to the size of its fruit. Dried blackberries and pomegranates, sweet leather, violets and toasty new oak flavors comprise the flavors, and the finish is tannic and distinguished. This elegant wine is one to watch.
— S.H.
(11/1/2007)
Crane Brothers 2005 Crane Ranch Vineyard Hillside Block Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
- $44
Napa Cab doesn’t get riper or plusher than this. Floods the mouth with black currants, anise, cedar and something so pastry-rich, it’s almost like chocolate cheesecake. Yet the wine is completely dry, and the alcohol is modest. As a result, it’s balanced and elegant. Drink soon.
— S.H.
(6/1/2009)
Crane Brothers 2007 Crane Ranch Vineyard Syrah (Napa Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $36
A big, vigorous and assertive Syrah. When the vintage is right, this bottling from Crane rocks, and 2007 of course was a great, ripe vintage. Accessible now in plump blackberries, cassis, pepper steak and cedar, it has the tannic structure to age for 5–6 years.
— S.H.
(7/1/2011)
Crane Brothers 2004 Crane Ranch Vineyard Merlot (Napa Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- Online Exclusive
- $30
Steaks, chops and grilled mushrooms will love this dry, tannic wine. It’s old-style, a term that is not meant to be derogatory, but instead recalls a time when wine was made to be had with food. Similar to a good Bordeaux, it has richly earthy flavors of blackberries, mocha and cedar. Drink now through 2008.
— S.H.
(11/1/2007)
Crane Brothers 2005 Crane Ranch Vineyard Merlot (Napa Valley)
- $30
Here’s a strongly flavored Merlot, made with ultraripe fruit. If it didn’t have a good structure, the blackberry, currant, mocha and anise flavors alone would make it a fruit bomb. Fortunately, fine acidity and gorgeously thick tannins give it structure and backbone. Best for a year or two.
— S.H.
(6/1/2009)
Crane Brothers 2004 Crane Ranch Vineyard Hillside Block Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
- $44
What’s so nice about this Cab is that it’s the opposite of today’s cult Cab style, which is soft and gooey. Instead, it’s tannic and acidic and not ashamed of presenting these food-worthy aspects of its personality. Tastes like a young, ageable Third or Fourth Growth Bordeaux, with a good core of black currants and cedar. Put it in the cellar until 2009 or so, and…
— S.H.
(11/1/2007)
Crane Brothers 2006 Crane Ranch Vineyard Merlot (Napa Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $30
Does a good job of balancing ripe, forward cherry-berry fruit with a nice application of oak and gritty tannins. Drink now and for the next year or two before it loses freshness.
— S.H.
(9/1/2010)
Crane Brothers 2005 Crane Ranch Vineyard Syrah (Napa Valley)
- $36
This Syrah has a lovely mouthfeel, with soft, plush tannins, clean acids and a dry, balanced finish. The flavors are of black currants, roasted meat, violets, anise and crushed black pepper. Has some green notes, but it’s a nice glass of wine.
— S.H.
(5/1/2009)
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2009 Rodney Strong Reserve
A lovely restaurant-style Pinot Noir, showing lots of class and elegance…
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