"The Merlot vines that John planted at Crane Vineyard in 1996 continue to gain in maturity and stature. The 2020 vintage displays the incomparable character of this Oak Knoll District estate. A dark ruby color sets the pace for aromas of red cherry, blueberry, fig, and toffee. The palate introduces layers of pitted red fruit, baking spices, and roast coffee. Fruit, spice, and earthy notes progress into the finish with fine acidity and balanced tension. Aged for 20 months in 67 percent new French oak barrels. Less than 100 cases produced."
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“Epps Vineyard is the smallest of our Oak Knoll District estates at just under two acres—a coveted micro-site that yields exceptionally elegant Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich, ruby hues set the tone. A deep bouquet of currant and dried raspberry reveals hints of mocha, stone and sweet pipe tobacco. Flavors of savory berry compote, cherry and rhubarb carry trailing notes of leather, toffee, loam and cardamom. A light, dusty entry gains a firm grip on the mid-palate, all finishing with breadth, stature and balance. This vintage marks our second ultra-limited vineyard designate from this essential John Anthony estate. Aged for 28 months in 70 percent new French oak barrels, only 150 cases produced.”
“GnR Vineyard spans just 2.5 acres of gravelly, benchland soils in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, from which only the finest lots were barrel selected for this vineyard designate release. Deep, purple-ruby hues shimmer in the glass. Chambord, cassis and blackberry aromas are accentuated by lilac and coffee bean. A beautiful tension relaxes in a steady progression across the palate, releasing complex flavors of black cherry, dark stone fruits, cigar box and summer forest floor. The finish exhibits impeccable length and elegance. Aged for 28 months in 87 percent new French oak barrels, only 150 cases produced.”
“R/D Vineyard spans less than four acres of rich, volcanic soils in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, notable for producing Cabernet Sauvignons that are energetic and highly textured. The 2019 vintage boasts a deep, ruby-garnet color in the glass. A seductive nose suggests blackberry pudding and fig compote with hints of savory spice, anise, white truffle and earth. A heady entry delivers dark red fruits, late summer cherry and marionberry with impressions of confectioner spices, dried violets, cedar and gravelly stone. The mid-palate intensity yields to finesse and length on the finish. This vintage marks our second ultra-limited vineyard designate from this essential John Anthony estate. Aged for 28 months in 75 percent new French oak barrels, only 150 cases produced.”
"The tiny four-acre Coombsville Vineyard produces powerful and expressive fruit. Head trained, spur pruned and dry farmed, its vines produce limited yields of the highest quality—worthy of our single vineyard collection. Black plum, mulberry, tarragon and lead fragrances. Black and blue fruits persist with purity and energy and give way to lilacs and violets, hoisin and crushed stone. Dense, chewy and with explosive flavor. Enjoy now with decanting. We encourage cellaring for fifteen plus years."
An uneventful and easy growing season until mid-October rainstorms. Caramel and golden tones are perfumed with ripe passionfruit, baked lychee and framed by beeswax and toasted vanilla bean. Flavors of warm mango, tangerine marmalade, gingersnap and sumac have a bright energy and blossom with aeration.
