It's April again and mustard is still abundantly blooming. Pruning of the vines is complete and "bud break" is in full swing. Tiny new leaves are pink with a light wash of perdot. The weather acts like spring--tantilizing sunny afternoons followed by clear, frosty nights. At night and into the dawn hours, wind machines and overhead sprinklers are preventing damage to the tiny, new buds.
The robins have returned and ornamental pear and peach trees are powder puffs of white or pink. We can't resist toasting a spring day with a bit of Croze' Vin d' Une Nuit or our newest addition, Monte Lago Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc. But our chilly evenings are still perfect for Port and our Croze Cabernet Sauvignon Port is perfect when you're seated in a comfortable chair, by the fire!
Winemaker, Gary Wooton announces the release of his CROZE Vintners Reserve wine, 2002 Croze Vintners Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon & 2006 Croze Cabernet Sauvignon Port
Mustard in bloom at DeConinck Vineyards.
NEW RELEASES
SPRING
2008
2002 CROZE VINTNERS RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
The 2002 Croze Vintners Reserve is balanced and complex with layers of organic flavors--truffles, walnuts and old leather with hints of cinnamon, dired black cherries and Cassis. The finish is long and abundant. Lovely now, this wine will improve with time in the decanter. Or, lay it away in your cellar, for future pleasure--this wine has the ideal balance for a graceful and long lived wine. Grapes for the 2002 Vintners Reserve come from four, diverse vineyards in three appellations within the Napa Valley. The origin of these grapes is a closely guarded secret. The result is an elegant wine with a touch of classic Bordeaux married with Napa Valley style.
Very limited production of 100 cases
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.
CURRENT CROZE & SMITH WOOTON RELEASES
2002 CROZE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2002 CROZE Cabernet Sauvignon from DeConinck Vineyards, Longwood Ranch is our current Croze Cabernet release. This is the final vintage from their oldest block of vines. Each ancient vine yielded small amounts of tiny grapes with concentrated flavors and tannins. The result is a dark, garnet wine with loads of rich fruit. The wine is intense, with dark, garnet color and concentrated fruit flavors. It's like velveT in the mouth and lingers long after it is swallowed. This is not a wine to gulp, but rather one to savor. Very drinkable now, this intriguing Cabernet Sauvignon has the ideal balance for a graceful and long lived wine. This CROZE will stand up to a thick steak or roasted meats and is perfect with anything Chocolate. When you sip this wine, you are tasting history! Limited production of 618 cases.
2005 SMITH WOOTON CABERNET FRANC
2005 SMITH WOOTON Cabernet Franc from Gallagher's Vineyard is unmitakably Cabernet Franc! Once again the Napa Valley terroir and meticulous vineyard management by grower, Brian Gallagher work their magic to provide our winemaker, Gary Wooton with just the right grapes for this elegant and handsome wine. Earthy aroma explodes from the glass long before your lips touch the wine. The first sip fillls the mouth with dark, rich earthy flavors reminiscent of a fine Bordeaux. Production of just 490 cases.
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2006 CROZE SAUVIGNON BLANC
This is our premier "White Croze." This Sauvignon Blanc is light, crisp and well balanced with bright fruit character. You'll find melon and pineapple flavors with a hint of citrus. Seve lightly chilled with fish, poultry and creamy pasta dishes. Celebrate anyday with this delightful wine!
2005 Croze' Vin d' Une Nuit
This is a light and lovely Rose' of Cabernet Sauvignon. It finishes almost dry with the fresh taste of summer berries on the palate. Enjoy it rain or shine, with a fireside picnic or sip it while curled up with a good book. For a special treat, serve Croze' in a champagne glass with a frozen berry or add a cube of frozen Croze'! Offer "Croze-A" to toast the day!
2004 SMITH WOOTON SYRAH SOLD OUT!
Tanner Vineyards in the Sierra Foothills grew these wonderful grapes. The exceptional terroir shines through in a bouquet of flavors that is a treat for your palate. Its style is reminiscent of Gingodas in Frances' Rhone Valley. You'll find lucious, ripe, black fruit and underlying spices with a hint of mint in the finish. Our 2005 vintage will be ready for release this Fall.
2006 CROZE SAUVIGNON BLANC
Lake County
Monte Lago Vineyards
2006 CROZE Sauvignon Blanc is our premier "White Croze." Fermented in stainless steel tank, the wine is balanced and complex with moderate tannin structure and bright fruit. The bouquet reveals fresh aromas of citrus and grapefruit with a hint of new mown grass. As the wine warms in the glass, melon and pineapple flavors emerge.
2006 CROZE Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with poultry, fish and pasta dishes. Toast the harvest with a cool refreshing glass of "White Croze!"
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Stay tuned for harvest updates!