Harvest Update 2005
Winemaker, Gary Wooton
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Our new nest, Beaucanon Winery
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We are tucked into our new nest at Beaucanon Winery located on Highway 121 near Silverado Country Club in Napa. Proprietors Luis and Chantelle De Coninck have often provided the Cabernet grapes for CROZE wines. Now we are at the source!
The 2005 harvest is still in progress! The year arrived with rain that extended far into the spring, resulting in late bloom and set of grapes. An unusually cool summer led to extended hang time and most varieties of grapes are being picked a full month later than usual. Last to arrived was the 2005 Cabernet Savignon from DeConinck Vineyards. Crushed on November 23rd, it is truly a "late harvest" wine!
October 17th, our Syrah grapes arrived from Tanner Brothers Vineyard near Murphys in the Sierra Foothills. These luscious grapes soaked out to 26.5 brix, perfect for the French style (Gigondas) preferred by our winemaker. Fermentation is complete and the wine has been barreled for aging.
October 23rd, Cabernet Franc arrived from tiny, Gallagher’s Vineyard on Silverado Trail in the Napa Valley. This is the 10th Anniversary wine for Winemaker, Gary Wooton and grower, Brian Gallagher. Each year they have received awards and exceptional ratings for the wines. The vineyard yielded 7.5 tons of luscious grapes. Brix at pick and grape quality, promise another award winning Cabernet Franc. Fermentation is complete and the wine has been barreled for aging.
October 30th, the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes for our Port, arrived at our Nest. These grapes came from the south-facing, hillside vineyard of Ray and Emily McClain. This tiny vineyard is located on Atlas Peak Road near the Silverado Country Club, in Napa! The fruit was picked at 30 brix with a good amount of raisin. As we speak, the fermented juice, fortified with brandy is being barreled down for aging.
 Next to arrive, on November 4th, were the grapes for Crozé. This year’s offering from Tenbrink Vineyards in Suisun, was picked at 22.5 brix, which will create a crisp, low alcohol wine. Once again, the grapes were treated in the Vin d’ Une Nuit” tradition, in which the skins are left in contact with the juice for 24 hours before pressing. Fermentation is complete and the Rosé has been barreled down for settling and clarifying. It promises to be delicious.
Tenbrink Vineyards, September 30th
 De Coninck Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon
The grapes for CROZE Cabernet Sauvignon are from De Coninck Vineyards. This year's August heat wave arrived in November, allowing further ripening and maturity. The grapes were picked November 23rd. They are in excellent condition and the additional hang time has added complexity to the flavors of the 2005 vintage.
De Coninck Vineyard, November 5th
 CROZEMAS SPECIALS STRAIGHT FROM OUR NEST!
This Holiday Season we offer these savings on CROZE Cabernet Sauvignon and Crozé. Tax (where applicable) and shipping will be added to your order.
Order from our website at www.croze-cab.com, Email Suzanne@Croze-cab.com
or contact Gary or Suzanne at 707.944.9247.
All offers expire December 31st, 2005.
LIBRARY WINES AT 30% OFF BY THE ½ CASE
1999 CROZE Cabernet Sauvignon
You may be aware, we discovered a cache of 1999 CROZE Cabernet Sauvignon, package in special ½ cases. This mature wine is an exceptional drink now, with years of improvement still to come.
SILVER MEDALS: Bon Appetít, San Francisco Chronicle and West Coast Wine Competitions
YOUR COST BY THE ½ CASE, IS JUST $117.60.
1998 CROZE Cabernet Sauvignon
From our library comes a release of just 20, ½ cases of 1998 CROZE Cabernet Sauvignon. This lovely, Bordeaux style wine is our premier Release and it wears its age well. It’s smooth and mellow. Ready for your holiday table.
SILVER MEDAL: San Francisco Chronicle and California State Fair Wine Competitions.
YOUR COST BY THE ½ CASE, IS JUST $117.60.
ORDER YOU WINE NOW FOR CROZEMAS GIVING! Offers end December 31, 2005.
WHATZ NEWZ?
We are please to announce ratings received in the WINE ENTHUSIAST,
September and November, 2005 issues.
Rated 89: 2001 CROZE Cabernet Sauvignon, $28.00
This full-bodied wine has a taste of wild herbs, especially lavender, and a robust, silky texture. It’s dry, with brambly flavors and more Rhone-like than Napa Cab. Has the balance and complexity for fine foods. – S.H., Wine Enthusiast
Note: 2001 Cain Five also rated 89. Cost, $90.00
Rated 91: 2002 Smith Wooton Cabernet Franc, $32.00
This wine shows the full-body of a Cabernet Sauvignon, but the fruit profile is entirely different. Here, it’s all red cherries. Yet the oak, tannins and acids are those of a fine cab. It’s a little lighter, but no less fine. –S.H., Wine Enthusiast
Note: 91 was the highest rating for Cabernet Franc.
Peju Reserve rated 90, at $90.00
Only 100 cases were produced. We hope you have a few bottles in your cellar, because we are SOLD OUT!
Rated 88: 2003 Smith Wooton Syrah, $28.00
Dark and exuberant, this dry wine packs a punch due to elevated alcohol. It has some fine black currant, plum, dark chocolate fudge, tobacco and leather flavors and finishes with some dusty tannins and a hint of pepper-cured meat. - Wine Enthusiast
Note: Special article on Tanner Brothers Vineyard in September Wine Enthusiast.
Rated 85: 2004 Crozé, $14.00
Dark for a Rosé, full-bodied and very dry, with flavors of roses and blackberry tea. There’s a rich, intense finish of berries. – S.H., Wine Enthusiast
CROZE DISTRIBUTOR NEWZ
NEW DISTRIBUTORS
Flathead Beverage, Montana
Barrel Aged Wine, Ohio
Bottles of Grapes, Washington State
One Distributing, Texas
CONTINUING DISTRIBUTORS
Transat Trade, Southern California
Country Vintners, Florida
Stoller Wholesale, Illinois
Bacchus, Kentucky
Chav’on Distributing, South Carolina
Wine Maverick, Georgia
Specialty Imports, Alaska
WINE CLUBS
Wineoceros
Bounty Hunter
Ambrosia
Lufthansa
Bottle Notes
California Wine Club
Signature Cellars
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If you love exceptional soups, Croze Nest member, Carol Finwall has found the perfect recipe.
Don't forget the Croze' Vin d' Une Nuit! It's the perfect compliment to this creamy treat!
BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP – 8 SERVINGS
 6 strips bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, peeled & chopped
4 cups chicken broth
4 cups peeled butternut squash cubes
3 large Bartlett pears, peeled, cored & cubed
¾ cup chopped celery
1 tsp. herbs de Province
1 cup ½ & ½ (10% cream)
Salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
Chopped fresh thyme
1. Sauté bacon in large stockpot until crisp, remove from pan, drain on paper towels and crumble.
2. Remove all but 1 tbs. grease from the pot; add onion and sauté over medium heat until browned.
3. Add broth, squash, pears & celery to pot. Bring to a boil; reduce heat & simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
4. Let cool slightly, then puree until smooth in blender or food processor.
5. Return back to pot & add herbs & bacon. Simmer 10 minutes. Stir in ½ & ½, season to taste with salt & pepper.
6. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with chopped thyme.
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