The Syrah vine has been cultivated in the Rhone Valley of France since the time of the Roman Empire. Although long grown in Australia as ‘Shiraz’, international plantings of Syrah are a recent phenomenon, making Syrah the world’s hottest Rhone varietal.

In Napa Valley alone, new plantings of Syrah have overtaken ‘King Cabernet’ in the last 3 years. And why not? Syrah likes it here in the Napa Valley, as does Cabernet Sauvignon.

At Crane Ranch we grow our Syrah with techniques that ensure the highest quality grapes. This begins with close vine spacing and cane pruning to achieve balance in each vine. Hand leaf removal around the grape clusters allows additional sun exposure to the fruit and riper flavors in the grapes. We also practice a ‘green harvest,’ where up to 30% of our crop is removed early to ensure maximum intensity of flavor in the remaining grapes.

Our Syrah grapes are harvested at full maturity, left on the vine past what might be considered ‘traditional’ ripeness. We do not pick until we have a rich, jammy flavor, brown nutty seeds, and soft skins on the grapes.

Crane Brothers Winemaker Al Perry takes over at this point, using traditional open top fermentation and gentle wood-basket pressing. The syrah wine is then transferred to French oak barrels (1/2 new) for 16 months of aging. Bottling time is mid-February and, after 7 months of bottle aging, the wine is ready for release the following October.

The 2001 Crane Brothers Napa Valley Syrah exhibits deep purple-ruby color, aromas of blackberry, blueberry, earth and spice with lingering flavors of black fruits, smoked meats and pepper. Only 288 cases of this exquisite wine were produced.

Our goal at Crane Brothers winery is to create wines that adorn your glass with color, excite your nose with heady aromas, and indulge your palate with richness.

Cheers!!!
The Crane Brothers