94pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Picked well before the Glass Fire (between September 5th and 18th), the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Crane Vineyard is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. Cherry fruit dominates, although there are hints of darker fruit, cigar box and mocha. Full-bodied and richly concentrated, this is a clear step up from the Napa bottling, finishing long, lush and velvety, with a deep, earthy undercurrent.

93pts James Suckling

Aromas of ripe purple fruit with savory herbs, dried flowers, dried citrus peel and chocolate. Full-bodied, deep and structured with succulent fruit and firm, chalky tannins. Lingering finish. Try from 2025.

92pts Wine Spectator

Sedate in style but well-defined and alluring, with a caressing feel to the mix of plum and boysenberry puree notes, joined by light violet, sweet bay leaf and singed vanilla accents. Picks up a nice tug of earth through the finish. Drink now through 2035. 939 cases made.

91pts Wine Enthusiast

Dense tannins and a chocolaty, espresso-like concentration give this full-bodied wine plenty of potential for aging. Black fruits and dark chocolate are laced together with a sandy texture that holds them tightly now.

Winemaker Notes

Salvestrin's approach for the Dr. Crane Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon emphasizes balance and elegance instead of power and opulence. The texture is velvety without compromising its inherent Cabernet weight, the mid palate is juicy and the finish persistently chalky yet polished. Hints of barrel tones including baking spice and vanilla on the palate mingle with notes of red plum and fennel.

Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc

Winery Notes

It began when Italian immigrants John and Emma Salvestrin fell in love with St. Helena while visiting friends in the early 1920s. In 1932 they purchased a portion of the historic Crane Ranch, including the Victorian home of Dr. Crane. With the repeal of prohibition in 1933, they started selling grapes as the wine industry began to grown again.

Ed Salvestrin, who grew up on the family vineyard, continued to grow quality grapes through the 60s, 70s, and 80s preserving the family legacy for future generations. He still lives on the site and frequently tends to his fruit trees when he's not helping out in the vineyard.