This is definitely an homage to the old world winemaking style that Croze wines often boast. The color still holds as a Cabernet though now slightly showing its age. The nose is fresh and clean giving hints of herbaceousness such as tarragon and chervil. The acid balance has given this wine a long life and begs for fatty red meats and cheeses.
Drink now - Gabrielle Shaffer, Sommelier2000 CROZE CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Tri-Leopard VineyardsSavory and earthy qualities seem to be at the heart of this vintage of Croze Cabernet Sauvignon. As you get into the nose and palette of this wine you can almost envision a sunny California day, riding a fresh horse through a dried field of grasses and wildflowers. This is a thoughtful wine that is showing a great deal of sexy, sultry qualities at this point in life.
Drink now through 2015 - Gabrielle Shaffer, SommelierCan The Experts Be Wrong? We say yes! In 1998 the grapes came from the De Coninck Vineyards. A cool summer and early rains let to a late harvest with wet conditions. The grapes were hand picked on November 13th. By then , the wine writers, who had not actually tasted a grape or a wine, had condemned the entire vintage to mediocrity. 13 years later, 1998 Croze Cabernet Sauvignon still has great charm.
The 2000 grapes came from Tri-Leopard Vineyards and were hand picked and sorted on October 31st, following four days of rain. This harvest was plagued by a repeat performance by wine writers. Today, the wine continues to drink well and promises to give us pleasure for a least four more years.
About The WinesHandcrafting of fine wines is an art form. Each year the grapes provide a unique challenge that requires new solutions to bring the wine to its greatest potential. The potential of the 1998 and 2000 Croze wines was recognized and realized by our Winemaker, Gary Wooton.
Following his philosophy, the grapes were gently crushed and stemmed, leaving many whole berries. Fermentation was slow and cool to enhance the fruit flavors. the grapes were always handled gently, to avoid extraction of harsh tannins. The wines were aged in French oak barrels from the Never forest, chosen to compliment the special characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. These methods created Bordeaux style wines that have continued to age gracefully.
There are 20 sets of these two wines, available at $100.00 per set,
plus tax and shipping.
To order your wines, Email croze@interx.net or call 707.944.9247.
Gary E.Wooton, Winemaker, Avatar Vintners Inc.
