Mission Codename The Parole
You found it!
The Disciples is an extraordinary blend from the inventor and original winemaker behind The Prisoner, no doubt it’s a great wine, especially at our best in the world pricing.
But THIS is the wine Dave Phinney always wanted to make. This is what his dreams are made of. A bold, luscious Cabernet from one of the most important historic vineyards in Napa Valley, shared with the top cult producers who mostly source from the neighboring Beckstoffer Dr. Crane side.
As a huge fan Robert Parker rated the inaugural 2013 98 points: “The Crane Assembly is a new project headed by Dave Phinney of Orin Swift fame. Phinney and his three partners recently purchased a small 8-acre vineyard in the heart of St. Helena that was once part of Dr. George Belden Crane’s estate. Dr. Crane was one of the early settlers of St. Helena and played an integral role in the early history of Napa Valley. About half of the vineyard plantings date back to Crane’s era, which is remarkable.”
HINT HINT: The overall Napa Valley Cabernet harvest also rated 98 points with Parker. So did 2016. But he has not scored this release, yet, so here’s your chance…
The mad genius behind this wine is the guy who sent Orin Swift into orbit, and the same guy who crafted the original Prisoner blend many moons ago. So, it makes sense that his latest passion project riff on this style takes a similar intensity to a new echelon.
No wonder Antonio Galloni wrote “The Crane Assembly is one of the most intriguing projects I have come across in some time.”
We agree wholeheartedly, this is cult Cab on steroids!
Available only as a 3-pack direct from the winery, or $200-250 a pop elsewhere.
Only 10 barrels made but our allocation did not add up to even 1 of those sadly. That’s why we hid it in the Store while we distract with the Disciples. How covert of us, right? Be considerate and try not to buy more than a few, there really is not much to go around. Load up your lockers quietly, please.
What the Winery Says
2016 'MMXVI' G.B. Crane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
- Consulting winemaker
- Dave Phinney
- Winemaker
- Kevin A. Fox
- Varietals
- 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16 % Petite Sirah
- Vintage
- 2016
- Appellation
- St. Helena, Napa Valley
- Vineyard
- G.B. Crane Vineyard
- Alcohol
- 15.7%
- Aging
- 24 months
- Barrels
- 100% new French oak
- Production
- 10 barrels