G.B. Crane El Coco Red 2013Napa Valley

As the master of blending grape varieties into seductive offerings, this 20123 debut vintage of El Coco is no exception. Vintner and winemaker Dave Phinney and winemaker Kevin Fox have produced a silky rich Red that is a blend of 50% Old Vine Zinfandel, 40% Petite Sirah, 8% Merlot and 2% Gamay. They barrel aged them separately for a year before blending them to get to the final offering which offers bold fruit, firm structure yet with a silky texture. "Deep, brooding aromatics of wild berry laced with ripe boysenberry is immediately present leading to mineral notes, toasted herb and a sprinkling of oak. Upon entry, the wine layered with concentrated, densely woven fruit. The mid palate reveals pure flavors of blueberry, raspberry jam, chaparral, and spring flowers supplanted with a lively vein of minerality. A long, lingering finish with subtle, refined tannins adds ideal complexity and pedigree."