Springtime in Napa is not to be missed. While it never really stops being green and lovely here, there is a definite resurgence of life that is waved in with an abundance of golden mustard flowers. From every part of the valley, as far as the eye can see, there are fields upon fields of mustard that let us know that it is all about to begin again. The mustard gives way to the flowering trees, rose bushes begin to bloom, and a chorus of bees begin buzzing. This is all just a prelude to the first bud break of the vines in the spring.
So begins the next season in the Napa Valley. Most believe that we've had enough rain to produce a more bountiful crop this year. There have been no strange weather tidbits such as late frost or high winds for which we might worry. Sunshine and warm days followed by cool evenings throughout the region point to a very healthy vintage in 2009.
Here at Croze we are hitting the gates running by announcing the release of the Croze’ Vin d’ Une Nuit – Cabernet Sauvignon Rose’ 2008! This new vintage is going to knock your socks off with all the fruit it packs. The wine was made with winemaker Gary Wooton’s preferred method of ‘wine of one night’ in which the juice is not immediately pressed from the berries but sits for one night to pick up more color and red fruit characteristics. It is truly juicy and delicious and we are excited to be sharing it with you. That being said, with the light crop we had from the 2008 vintage, we only produced ***96 cases***.
The wine will be going out with our spring wine club shipment along with our recently released Croze Sauvignon Blanc 2007. If you want to sign up for our wine club and be part of the lucky few who will be enjoying the Croze’ Rose’ this season let us know ASAP. The wines are also available via our web store and at some very select retail and restaurant locations around the US. Please contact us for more details.
“Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!”
The 2007 CROZE Sauvignon Blanc is light, crisp and well balanced. Moderate tannin structure compliments the bright fruit character, which is in keeping with the winemaker’s philosophy and style. This wine reflects the vineyard’s low yield of intense, varietally correct fruit. Its bouquet reveals fresh aromas of lime and mineral. As the wine opens in the glass, layering flavors of citrus oil and honeydew emerge. The finish is agreeably long and full and its white gold hue glows in the glass. 2007 CROZE Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with salads, poultry, fish and lighter pasta dishes. It always compliments a friend! 569 cases produced.
2008 Croze' Vin d' Une Nuit - Spring Wine Club! - NEW RELEASE
This 2008 Croze' shows the intensity that we have come to love in this unique style with broad strokes of strawberry, pomegranate, and fresh red cherries. The intoxicating abundance of fruit continues on the palate with medium weight, more red berry, and a hint of lemongrass. Even the finish will leave you swirling in a daydream of fresh berry kisses. The 2008 Croze' grapes came from Suisun Valley, just across the Eastern Hills from Napa Valley. Here, the daylight hours are just a bit warmer, without the cooling marine influence of the San Francisco Bay. Soil and climate are similar to South Central France, where Rose' is Queen. Winemaker, Gary Wooton vinted the wine in the classic French “Vin d' Une Nuit” (Wine of One Night) style. Unlike many Rose' wines, where juice is separated from the skins immediately after pressing, grapes for Croze' are crushed and the juice is left on the skins overnight, before pressing. Only 96 cases produced!
2005 SMITH WOOTON SYRAH
The wine opens with aromas of macerated black cherries, clove spice, and a bit of prosciutto. The fully rounded mouthfeel starts with Indian Mukhwas (candy coated fennel, anise, and sesame seeds) and moves into dense, concentrated blackberries and plum. The wine invoke images of a sultry northern Rhone wrapped in velvet arm in arm with the brute force of a CA Syrah strapped in new chaps. One glass is never enough. Only 297 cases produced.
2006 SMITH WOOTON CABERNET FRANC - NEW VINTAGE!
Plum spice and cedar chest open the nose of this decadent 2006 Smith Wooton Napa Cabernet Franc. Plump boysenberry and blueberry preserves stand out on the palate with huge mouthfeel and young, savory tannins. This wine is a very intense, new-world expression of the grape that will come to show grace for many years. Truly gluttoness. Only 266 cases.
2004 CROZE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
The 2004 Croze wine will surpass all your expectations of Napa Cabernet. There is finesse, balance, and yes, all the true old world charm a varietally correct Cabernet can offer. You are met with sunny wildflower and musk aromas that are structured together with a blast of fresh ground pink peppercorns. The flavors have incredibly harmonious elements of worn saddle leather and rivers of fresh, blood red cassis. In keeping with the winemaker’s philosophy and style, 2004 CROZE is very drinkable now, but this intriguing Cabernet Sauvignon has the ideal balance for a graceful and long lived wine. Only 673 cases produced!
2006 CROZE CABERNET SAUVIGNON PORT
2006 CROZE Cabernet Sauvignon Port began life at Tenbrink Vineyards in Suisun Valley. In this Port, the Winemaker chose to preserve the fruit's true varietal character and present it fresh on the palate. The Port balances the flavors of mature fruit, French oak and aged Brandy, thus achieving a satisfying medly of flavors. Rich, dense blackberry flavors and aromas fill the mouth and nose and linger on the tongue. Enjoy 2006 Croze Port as an aperitif, with a savory roast duck or after dinner with a bit of dark chocolate and a friend. IF YOU LOVE CROZE PORT, ORDER YOURS TODAY! Limited production of 200 cases.
2006 SMITH WOOTON CABERNET FRANC
Grower Brian Gallagher hand-tends his plot and knows each vine intimately. As the result of his efforts the grapes came in fat, ripe and loaded with varietal flavors.
Winemaker, Gary Wooton, handcrafted this wine. The grapes were crushed and bin fermented in small lots at cool temperatures. This method created a long fermentation which accentuated the fruit flavors and added complexity.
This special attention by Winemaker and grower created a wine with layers of complexity. Our 2006 SMITH WOOTON CABERNET FRANC is the result of their labors.
TRULY GLUTTONESS!
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2008 Croze' Vin d' Une Nuit - Spring Wine Club! - NEW RELEASE 
