2018 “Three D” Dr. Crane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - Salvestrin Winery
A strikingly rich yet still admirably restrained procession of black currant, blueberry preserves, plump dark cherry, and wild blackberry leads an expressive and brilliantly lifted display magnificently complicated by highly aromatic floral tones of iris, violet, and potpourri. Notes of cedar, bay leaf, basil, and menthol generously reveal incredible layers of herbal complexity that intersect with the deep and smoky decadence of Cuban cigar, roasted coffee bean, and dark chocolate. Hints of nutmeg, vanilla bean, and clove gently assert bits of tasteful oak influence that do not detract from pleasant earthy impressions of wrought iron, loamy soil, and dark minerality. Impressively complex, captivating, and classically-styled on the palate while displaying fantastic elegance despite currently being quite tightly-wound; exhibiting a serious, savory, and unquestionably world class presentation that possesses the perfect balance of power and finesse. Medium-plus bodied with elevated tannin cut by fresh acidity. This 2018 "Three D" Dr. Crane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon by Salvestrin Winery is a bold and nuanced red from St. Helena.
Located just west of the famed Hwy 29 within the historic town of St. Helena, the Dr. Crane Vineyard is one of Napa's most legendary vineyard sites and continues to produce some of the valley's most outstanding Cabernet to this day. This bottling, crafted by Salvestrin Winery using the year's very best barrels of Cabernet Sauvingnon grown in their own estate portion of the Dr. Crane Vineyard, is an astounding example of the elegance and depth this world famous terroir is capable of producing. Although it boasts a firm core of primarily dark fruits this wine remains notably lifted and expressive, and it also benefits from a range of complex herbal notes, fragrant floral tones, and volcanic earthiness, while tied together by perfectly-executed oak treatment. This is a Cabernet for the ages that will likely require a decade or more to reach its peak, and should continue to drink well for a half-century or more. Wow.