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. — 22 days ago
Classic burg. Drinking really well. Lovely — a month ago
This bottle had been opened the night before. The 2021 pours a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of tart and ripe black and red fruits: mixed brambles, purple flowers, olives, black pepper, stony earth and a mix of cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acidity. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ and peppery. True to the vintage, this is a cooler expression of Chave’s Saint Joseph and I really dig it. Drink now through 2041. — a month ago
21 años y muy vivo, elegante, post gusto super persistente un clásico de Joseph Phelps. En la nariz tipica de cabernet de ellos, un toque leve de menta, fruta roja, suelo. El postgusto fue poniéndose mas intenso mientras iba abriendo... Vino sin defectos, bien hecho. — a month ago
Victor Hsu
Fresh, fruity and juicy, with sweetness balanced by acidity. Low alcohol and quaffable, perfect for a warm day. Pairs exceptionally well with corned beef and cabbage. Nice find at Costco. 2023 vintage. — 4 days ago