SALVESTRIN! DR CRANE VINEYARD!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday might be in our rearview but we’re steadily rolling with the GOODS today. Did we mention the double 94/94+ scores?!

Perhaps the best value Cabernet from the illustrious Dr. Crane Vineyard - at the release price of $95. From us, NEAR 50% OFF it’s an undisputed CHAMP.

The Salvestrin family has been growing grapes in their historic St. Helena vineyards since 1932. Today they have three generations living on the 26-acre property. They follow strict organic practices and have 81 harvests of the storied Dr. Crane Vineyard behind them. This hallowed site shares 3 other owners including the Beckstoffer family (the only other owner entitled to the name Dr. Crane) which also happens to be a registered Historic Vineyard, supplying grapes to top-shelf producers like Paul Hobbs, Bevan, Realm, Myriad, TOR making it near impossible to find anything from here less than $200, and some into the $500s.

Just a couple of vintages ago Wine Spectator awarded THIS WINE a spot in its Top-10 Wines of the Year. Their in-depth article about this legacy, states that “Rich Salvestrin’s grandparents fled Italy and the ravages of World War I to arrive in St. Helena in the 1920s. In 1932 they purchased a part of the ranch started by George Belden Crane in 1858. The property has had a continuously operating vineyard ever since and is considered one of Napa’s most historic vineyard sites. At its peak, the 300-acre estate had about 100 acres of vines, and today there are still 50 acres spread among four owners, including Andy Beckstoffer.”

…concluding that this is – “one of the better relative values in age-worthy Napa Valley Cabernet.”

Where were we? About this wine…

It’s a classic Napa Cab, made in a powerful, balanced style. Deeply endowed with blackberry, plum and black cherry fruit, and a terrific minerality showing plenty of graphite, plus a dash of black pepper and spice. The oak, while prominent, doesn’t come off as heavy-handed. With terrific balance, power, structure, and with a decant this stuff just shows off a serious side without the triple digit price that usually comes with it.

There’s just a handful to go around - so get it while it’s here. And if you miss out, don’t worry because we have another Beckstoffer-y banger just around the corner - stay tuned!

94+ Points – The Wine Independent

“Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2020 Dr. Crane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon flows effortlessly from the glass with notes of plum preserves, blackberry pie, and raspberry coulis with suggestions of tobacco leaf, charcoal, and dried lavender. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers bright, refreshing black and red berry flavors with earthy accents and wonderful purity, finishing long and energetic. This is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc.”

94 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“The Salvestrin family owns and lives in the original 1879 Victorian house build by Dr. George Belden Crane. Italian immigrants John and Emma Salvestrin purchased the historic home and a portion of the vineyards in 1932. While the original Dr. Crane estate had as many as 100 acres of vines in the 1880s, today it is split into several parcels. Andy Beckstoffer farms 21 acres, and Salvestrin has 19 acres. A handshake agreement among the families allows both to use the Dr. Crane Vineyard designation. Countless visitors to Saint Helena arriving from the south pass by the vineyards, house and winery every day, but more of them should schedule a tasting here, as the wines clearly merit attention and are attractively priced for their quality and pedigree. The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Crane Vineyard is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. Cherry fruit dominates, although there are hints of darker fruit, cigar box and mocha. Full-bodied and richly concentrated, this is a clear step up from the Napa bottling, finishing long, lush and velvety, with a deep, earthy undercurrent. Drink 2024-2040.”