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. — 13 days ago

James K

9.3

What an amazing gift from @Paul K! Such finesse—this wine is elegant, balanced, and pretty. Begs for food, and I suspect has a broader pairing profile than other CS. The only criticism I can make, if it is even a criticism, is that this is too balanced such that’s hard to remember one distinguishing characteristic. I think this is what wine strives to be—part of something, but t not the focus. Thanks, @Paul K. — a month ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2011 vintage. Difficult vintage for Napa and environs to be sure. Usual mountain suspects seemed to fare better than valley floor stuff. All that said, more than a few properties re-releasing 2011's out into the wild and they are, generally, drinking very well. Not improving but reaching the top of their respective bell curves. This is one such story. No baby fat left. Serious mineral/earth influences throughout. The nose takes this into hello! territory. The finish signs the deed to the property. Hit this in the next 3-4 years for maximum enjoyment. 02.26.25. — a month ago

Ron R

9.4

Absolutely smoking hot tonight. Competed with the Mica and Modus Sage Ridge. Coravin’d and presented so well. Soft and pure palate. Blueberry pie nose. Medium tannins with a broad shouldered structure. Nice balance with excellent weight and texture. Bright acidity and sweetness finished off what I considered to be the best vintage I’ve tasted from Sinegal — 11 days ago

with Mo

Rupesh Naik

9.2

Nice fruity — 11 days ago

romo

9.1

Admittedly very good and correct right banky but squarely California feels. — a month ago

Bruce Leboff

9.3

A crowd pleaser. A touch of Cali cab sweetness A no send crushed rose petals and blackberry. A scintilla of tobacco and lavender. A little wood on the palate. Well restrained. Drinking well - with lots of life left. NI’m brush on this one — 18 days ago

with David

carl thornblade

8.9

Nice but subdued overall. Expected more for the price. — 8 days ago

Henry Fuseler

9.0

2/2025. Bold and full of flavor. Sits nice on the palate — a month ago

Mark

9.0

This is the Super Tuscan red from 2018. Very strong tannin!!! Needs way more cellar time. Very good pepper and yeasty flavors. Blend of can sav, Merlot, and Sangiovese. Nice fruit and super jammy flavors. One of the darkest ruby wines with tons of colors! — a month ago

with Jeron and Jessica