Salvestrin Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena Dr. Crane Vineyard 2018

Rich Salvestrin’s grandparents arrived in St. Helena in the 1920s, having fled Italy and the ravages of World War I. In 1932, they purchased part of the ranch started by George Belden Crane in 1858. The property has farmed vines since Crane’s time and is considered one of Napa’s most historic vineyard sites. Today, Salvestrin owns 19 of the remaining 50 acres of the Dr. Crane Vineyard, along with Crane’s original house (converted into a B&B). Winemaker Natalie Winkler was hired in 2017. She started a shift to organic growing practices in the vineyard and has shown a deft touch with the grapes, emphasizing a red fruit and mineral profile that relies on purity.

Tasting Note

Bright and fresh, with lots of red currant, plum and black cherry fruit notes driving along nicely, while a subtle tug of iron runs underneath. Late floral and warm earth flashes on the finish add more range and contrast. Focused, detailed and really well built. Best from 2022 through 2035.—James Molesworth