“The Doctor”
I don’t normally like the Doctor, even though they do give me a doggie treat when I’m a good boy for my checkup. The Doctor I would rather spend time with is in a bottle and a real people Doctor; Doctor Jan Krupp, of Krupp Brothers winery in Napa, CA. We are happy to feature some of the finest, boutique, wineries from the Napa Valley here at Ed’s. Krupp Brother’s is a fine example of some low production, highly rated, beautiful wines.
Dr. Jan Krupp, an internist from the San Francisco area, purchased 41 acres in Napa in 1991, where he made his own wine on weekends, while practicing medicine during the week. He and his brother Bart then bought an adjoining 750 acres on Stage Coach- now one of the most famous and sought after vineyards in Napa. However, there was no water, no roads, and no vines, just rock back then. After drilling and drilling and still finding nothing, the brothers hired a “Water Witch” who pointed her divining rod and they began to drill again. Viola! 400 Feet below their property was a flowing river. Many months and many legal obstacles later, they began road construction, blowing up boulders, and planting- over 100 acres a year. They also planted native vegetation and began restoring a wild and native eco system. Stagecoach grew into 500 acres, and most of the fruit grown is sold to other wineries. In 1999, the Krupp Brothers purchased another 50 acres, the same year they produced their first vintage, Verasion Cabernet Sauvignon. Here at Ed’s, the beautiful 2007 vintage Krupp Brothers Stagecoach Vineyards Verasion Cabernet is available, along with some 2008, but it won’t last; the next vintage is 2011. The 2007 Verasion Cab is made from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, 4% Merlot, and 3% Petite Verdot. Aged for nearly two years in French oak barrels, it shows aromas of Espresso beans and tobacco leaf. Silky impressions of black currant, fresh rosemary and dark cocoa, only 3800 cases were made. I give it three bones!!!
Krupp Brother “The Doctor” Napa Valley Red blend is currently 2011, made from 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Tempranillo (yes- the brothers are growing the famous Spanish grape on their property and blending with it!) 27% Syrah, 15% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc. What an interesting blend, aged in more than half new oak barrels for 21 months, the color is dark garnet, with hints of boysenberry, violets, sage and clove on the nose. There is lush black cherry fruit, hints of toffee, and rosemary with velvety smooth tannins. Both these wines will age for another ten years, but I prefer to enjoy them now. Better yet, buy a couple bottles of each and call me in the morning… ha ha, try laying one or two down to taste in a few years. There are only 460 cases of this vintage made. I give “The Doctor” three bones, and will taste his elixir any time!
By Brunello Giancola as told to CRBrown