GB Crane 2019 Disciples Proprietary Red Napa Valley

The Story:  In August of 2012, Dave Phinney and his friends stood in the middle of a block of hundred-year-old Zinfandel. The vineyard was planted by George Beldon Crane in the late nineteenth century and is one of the icons of the Napa Valley. Hours earlier they had signed the paperwork to buy the vineyard and it was just in the nick of time… they picked the grapes the next morning.

Tasting Notes: Dark crimson in color, the strong, classic Zinfandel aromas of briar fruit and wild strawberries jump out of the glass and are complemented by hints of wet forest floor and high mountain forest. The entry gives way to a rich and textured mid-palate of Mexican chocolate, brambly raspberry, and a lengthy, caramelized crème Anglaise finish. This wine is a unique expression of old vine Zinfandel grown in the gravel-rich alluvial soils at the base of the Mayacamas mountain range.

Vineyard Notes: Sourced from heritage vineyards in the Napa Valley, the 2019 Disciples is bold, extroverted, and unabashedly Californian. Inspired by field blends of the past, the 2019 vintage is a blend of 45% Zinfandel, 17% Petite Sirah, 14% Charbono, 10% Merlot, 6% Syrah, 6% Grenache, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Winemaker Notes: “Pouring a vivid cardinal into the glass, the 2019 Disciples is replete with aromas of cranberry compote, Rainier cherry, Staedtler graphite pencil and Mendocino forest floor – the combination of redwoods, sorels, sun, and ocean spray. Upon entry, the wine exudes a bright and lively character with notes of ripe raspberry, red fruits and subtle toasted aok. The wine closes at length with soft fine tannins and an inviting hint of vanilla.”

Also check out: GB CRANE 2019 “EL COCO” PROPRIETARY RED, NAPA VALLEY (95 POINTS)