Wild blackberry, pencil shavings, plump dark cherry. Tart blueberry, young cedar, fresh black currant. An immensely pure and elegant procession of boysenberry preserves, dark plum, and açaí highlights an astoundingly complex and layered display magnificently interwoven with riveting herbal notes of menthol, dried mint, and Cuban cigar. Hints of cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and clove gradually reveal a range of restrained baking spices within an aromatic profile interlaced with floral tones of rose petal, violet, and potpourri. Impressions of graphite and volcanic soil reveal captivating savory earthiness flawlessly balanced against understated yet wonderfully decadent suggestions of dark chocolate, espresso, and new leather. Impressively pure, composed, and serious on the palate with an enviable combination of cerebral complexity and seductive charm; exhibiting an outstanding expression of its highly-pedigreed terroir while remaining classically-styled and downright stunning to experience. Medium plus in body with elevated yet approachable tannin backed by bright acidity. This 2017 Dr. Crane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon by Salvestrin Winery is a memorable and majestic red from Napa Valley.

Located just west of Highway 29 within the quaint and historic town of St. Helena, the Dr. Crane Vineyard has become one of Napa's most legendary vineyard sites thanks to its long standing status as the source of some of the valley's most complete expressions of Cabernet. This bottling, crafted by Salvestrin Winery using Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from their estate vines in the Dr. Crane Vineyard, is an incredible example of the world class elegance and complexity this singular plot of land can produce. This wine marvelously radiates a range of tightly-wound yet deep and expressive dark fruits complicated by intriguing tobacco-laden herbal notes, pretty florals, balanced chocolatey and coffee tones, and delicious earthiness. Although irresistible today this was clearly built with long-term aging in mind, and will likely drink well for as long as a half-century or more. Incredible.