Crane Vineyard: Where Heritage and Precision Winegrowing Unite

In the late 1990s, John Anthony Truchard leased and planted Crane Vineyard, the first vineyard in the John Anthony portfolio. Here he planted the roots of what would become a legacy of precision and craftsmanship.

Nestled just North of the city of Napa, Crane Vineyard is a hidden gem four-acre vineyard in the heart of the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. Crane Vineyard’s microclimate is renowned for the cooling fog that drifts in from the Bay, tempering the warmth and extending the growing season. Located at the base of Mount Veeder, where a small alluvial fan sits, the soil is more gravelly and the terrain slightly undulating—a terroir that produces fruit of exceptional elegance and power. 

At Crane Vineyard, John planted Merlot in 1996 and Syrah in 1999, vines that now reflect over 25 years of attentive viticulture care. The Merlot blocks, comprised of the French Clone which adds power and structure to the Merlot, allowing it to have remarkable aging potential. The Syrah blocks are a mix of Bien Nacido Clone, known for its thick skin and dense profile, and Hermitage (Clone 470), the original clonal selection from the Rhône region, prized for its low yields and resulting concentration of character.

The wines crafted from this vineyard are small-lot, single-vineyard designates that tell the story of the distinct terroir of Oak Knoll and their connection to John. These wines include the John Anthony Crane Vineyard Merlot, the John Anthony Crane Vineyard Syrah, the John Anthony Reserve Merlot, and, when the vintage allows, the John Anthony Reserve Syrah. Each vintage, the finest barrels of each varietal are hand-selected by John and the Winemaking team for the Reserve Wines, representing the “best in show” for that vintage. These wines exhibit incredible complexity, structure, and quality—offering enjoyment upon release and up to 20 years in the cellar. 

Crane Vineyard is more than just a vineyard site; it is a reflection of John Anthony Vineyards’ core principles—heritage, precision winegrowing, and meticulous winemaking. It is an estate where each vintage is a testament to respect for the land and a pursuit of excellence in every bottle. We invite you to experience these wines in our Tasting Lounge in Downtown Napa, or acquire them directly here.