2019 The Crane Assembly Disciples Red Wine Napa Valley

There’s nothing like a blockbuster wine from century-old heritage vineyards: The complexity is kaleidoscopic, the depth is oceanic, and the expression of place is unparalleled. And there’s no matching the high-octane reds from The Crane Assembly’s ancient vines—they push the limits of ripeness and exuberance like no others in Napa Valley. Add in winemaker Kevin Fox, and you get a bona fide California classic like the 2019 Disciples.

This is a complete wine from top to bottom. It’s sourced mainly from the 93-year-old Tofanelli Vineyard and the 110-year-old Morisoli Vineyard—a tiny, family-farmed plot that neighbors Scarecrow and Phelps. These sites’ coveted Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Grenache go into $100 Turley bottlings as well as $$$ wines from Duckhorn, Keplinger, and more.

Dave Phinney and Kevin Fox have worked together since the days of The Prisoner, and at Crane Assembly, Phinney wanted to highlight Fox as a winemaker. Their goal was to unleash some of Napa’s greatest assets—heritage vineyards, many of which top the 100-year mark in age. 

Gary Morisoli’s venerable vineyard is located in the heart of the Rutherford Bench, and covers a mere two acres of prime Napa real estate—just next door, Scarecrow grows Cabernet Sauvignon that goes for $700. Tofanelli, located just outside Calistoga, was planted 93 years ago. Organically farmed without any irrigation, the Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Grenache, and Charbono from Tofanelli are renowned for their purity and intensity. 

Although seamless blending and perfect polish are no easy task, Phinney and Fox’s talents make Crane Assembly wines feel effortless. The 2019 Disciples is a perfectly harmonized blend of impeccable raw ingredients, a wine of brooding power and incredible breadth.

• Fruit Intensity
• Oak Intensity
• Body
• Acidity
• Tannin

• ABV 15.70%
• 1 hour
• Now – 2030
• 45% Zinfandel17% Petite Sirah14% Charbono10% Merlot6% Grenache6% Syrah2% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Serving temperature – 58°
• Cork