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. — a month ago

James Mosman

8.9

Very sweet. On the verge of too sweet. — 4 years ago

Duane Mason

9.8

2015 for dinner with grilled NY Steaks salt a pepper finish. Fruit on the wine complemented the fat full flavor of the beef but the harmonious touch of dried herbs and an earthiness of mouth feel came together. In a really big sensation of married flavors to hand you the real deal. Beautiful Cabernet. Great wine and flavor combination to remember. Excellent. No rush to dink this wine it has years. — 5 years ago

Ross Bathgate

9.4

So unique, so reminiscent of French Syrah. Devastating that the vines no longer exist. Funky, earthy, vibrant with such soft minerally tannin. Lovely and matched with the eye fillet perfectly. — 3 months ago

Ron from VA

9.3

Uhhh, quite the mind-blowing bottle. The finesse of this build is pure class. The oak is prominent but is a Prince Charming to Cinderella’s sweet perfect vintage fruit set. Tropical and touch floral with an amazing Meyer lemon & crème brûlée finish (that is silky/long). Top shelf build :) — 3 years ago

John Malcolm

9.5

Intense, elegant, and complex. Dark fruits abound with hints of mocha. Be sure to recant for a few hours beforehand. — 4 years ago

Phil Castellano

9.2

Held up reasonably well but it’s heyday was a few years ago. Still has tobacco, notes of blackberry, and chocolate but had lost the intensity I remember from earlier bottles. — 5 years ago

Ali Copp

9.2

2018, bought at winery in 2019
Perfect for a steak night.
Blend of Cab Sauv, Franc, merlot, & verdot.
Would buy again — 4 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

Jason and Jennie

9.6

B did a great job in 2017. This is an outrageously good cab franc. Big wine but tastes like cab franc. Minerality, hint of green, plush dark fruit. — 3 years ago