Shay A

9.5

One of the wines I supplied for an annual lunch hosting (co-host this time). I was really hesitant to open this given the fanfare of this specific wine, but also how DrCrane can be an in-between wine for me (so explosive young, shut down at 5-10yrs, re-open 10+). Decanted two-three hours.

Classic deep purple-black DrCrane in the glass. Aromatics are immediate with ripe blue and black fruits, baking spices, mocha and graphite. Just a little bit of high-toned EA to make it pop, along with this roasted character I always get from DrCrane wines. Opulent and polished in every way on the palate, this is a tidal wave of flavor with no hard edges. It’s a towering wine in the sense of so much concentration and depth on the mid-palate, but it’s so incredibly polished at the finish…almost shockingly so. The ripe fruits and the dark chocolate linger longer than any Napa cab I can remember. Iron first in a velvet glove.

No need to worry, these are open for business. Plenty of structure to carry a while, but this window seems like it was made for how this wine is drinking now. — 11 days ago

TJ Maxwell

9.4

Big & bold. Ripe dark fruit, spice, etc…Evolved yet still developing. Really loved the complex tertiary flavors starting to appear. One complaint: WHOPPING 14.7%! — 5 months ago

Kelley Raymond

9.4

Super tannic and long finish. Dark color, so much oak it has to be decanted — 6 months ago

Shaun McKinsey

9.0

Blackberry and currant. Hint of figs; earthy on the nose. Long finish. Nice bottle. — 3 days ago

with Sarah

April Hill

10

Winter Trip ❄️ sooo good!!! — 2 months ago

Todd Anderson

9.4

Drinking very well right now (2024). Critics said to drink up but I found it still having strong fruit balancing the dirt. Reminded me of some lovely aged Bordeaux I've had in the past. I'd enjoy now or over the next few years if you're lucky enough to have any bottles. Cheers! — 4 months ago

Scott E. Becker

9.1

[Tasted on October 11, 2024 at Home with Jay, Eric and Lillie]

Wine is Annabelle’s Block Pinot Noir from Klopp Ranch in Russian River Valley. Purchased wine at Donelan tasting organized by Ned and Beth on May 8, 2024. Tart black cherry, boysenberry and black currant fruit, with nice acidity, spice and chalky note. — 6 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Deep Ruby with aromas of berry fruits, cigar box and cedar scents. On the palate flavors of black cherry, plum and currants with cacao, floral and oaky notes. Fine dusty tannins, long finish ending with fruit, floral, oak and earthy mineral character. Very Nice! Good now. — a month ago

Roy Goble

9.7

The last time I had this was at The French Laundry trying to convince someone to support a nonprofit I love. The subsequent gift was generous but, somehow, underwhelming. This wine is like that. A great vintage, a great vineyard, in great hands, but it had so much more potential. I’m not whining about a 97-point wine; I’m lucky to enjoy it. But it could’ve been even more. — 4 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

8.9

2019 vintage. Uninspiring for the price. 11.6.24. — 5 months ago