Winemaker Notes

The 2021 el Coco opens with aromas of juicy framboise, ripe strawberry, bramble and musk within a toasted French oak frame. A rich entry of black plum, darker toned fruits and crushed gravel is complemented by some bright, freshness of Bing cherry and floral notes through the length of the palate and finish. A balancing acidity and pleasing tannins lead to a lifted close of satiating white pepper.

535 cases produced.

Blend: 56% Old Vine Zinfandel, 44% Petite Sirah

Winery Notes

In 1885, Dr. George Beldon Crane planted an assortment of grape vines on an eight-acre plot of land, just south of St. Helena. Today, it is one of the oldest vineyards in the Napa Valley, consisting of a field blend traditionally known as ‘mixed blacks’. Although records are scarce, the vines likely consist of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignan and to a lesser extent, Alicante Bouschet, Mourvedre and Valdiguie.

Of the six and a half acres currently in production, approximately four contain a mixture of G.B. Crane’s original head trained vines with newer plantings from the 1930s interspersed. The other four acres consist of a 1.26-acre block of Cabernet Sauvignon, a 0.86-acre block of Petite Sirah, and three rows of Merlot. With such a storied history and enormous potential, we purchased the vineyard in 2012 with one goal: to preserve this piece of California viticultural history and produce a wine that both represents and respects that heritage.