G. B. Crane Vineyard El Coco 2014

A color spectrum of deep garnet with a vestige of ruby on the periphery fills the glass. Deep, brooding aromatics of wild berry laced with ripe boysenberry is immediately present leading to mineral notes, toasted herb and a sprinkling of oak. Upon entry, the wine layered with concentrated, densely woven fruit. The mid palate reveals pure flavors of blueberry, raspberry jam, chaparral, and spring flowers supplanted with a lively vein of minerality.

The Crane Assembly is centered around a unique eight-acre vineyard located in the gravel rich soils of southern St. Helena. It is believed that George Beldon Crane, or simply G.B. Crane, first established grapes on this site in the year 1885, making it one of the oldest vineyards in the Napa Valley. Although records are scarce, it was most likely planted as a field blend commonly known as “mixed blacks”. This field blend traditionally consisted of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignan, and a smattering of lesser-known grape varieties such as Alicante Bouschet, Mourvedre and Valdiguie.