Our Operatives adore the wines of Smith Wooten. Their Croze wines, have been a smash hit. A few days ago we convened our tasting panel and, when they saw today’s wine, several of our experts started raving about one of our recent Croze sales.

Then they tasted today’s Croze 2013 Smith Wooton Napa Valley Melange - and they went nuts!

Aromas rush to greet you on the nose, before you even lift the glass. Bold black cherry, blueberry, cassis, spice box, candied cherry, sugarplum, graphite and subtle spice all woven together to produce an elegant, inviting nose.

Energetic and full on first sip, with bright cherry, blueberry, red plum and raspberry that give way to grilled cherry, spice box, subtle cigar leaf, oak and a hint of graphite.

This wine hails from the Oak Knoll District of the broader Napa Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area). Oak Knoll is located within Napa Valley AVA at the southern end of the valley floor. The appellation’s close proximity to San Pablo Bay results in a climate that is cooler and more moderate than any region in Napa Valley - other than the Los Carneros AVA , where Chardonnay and Pinot Noir thrive.

The Oak Knoll AVA has more area under vine than any other wholly contained appellation within the Napa Valley. The district is planted largely to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay. Oak Knoll was officially designated an appellation within the Napa Valley AVA on April 26, 2004.

We offer you this dark, delicious, balanced red blend with our bold recommendation.

Drink now or hold until 2022.