Today we’re proud to offer you the darkly delicious Croze 2013 Smith Wooton Napa Valley Cabernet Franc. This impressive wine had our tasting panel doing cartwheels. This wine is stunningly elegant, densely flavored and deeply aromatic.

Juicy and dark, with bold blackberry, black cherry candy, cherry bark, cedar plank, tobacco, cassis, black licorice, red licorice, dried violets, sweet tobacco leaf, dried blueberry, spice and a hint of pink peppercorn.

Rich and very hearty, with a bold flavor profile that instantly coats the palate with black cherry, black licorice, blackberry preserve, dried blueberry, smoked cherry, cherry bark, toasted oak, tar, mixed spice, cigar box and cracked pepper.

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 thrilling, delicious wine with our strongest recommendation.

Drink now or hold until 2024.

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Here’s what the wine press has to say:

95-96 points - Brian Whitaker, Sommelier - “Exceptionally beautiful aromas of dark fruits, leather, and spice. Baked plum, cherries, raspberries, lavender, caramel and mocha. Seemingly more polished and superior to most 13’s. Recommended pairing: Smoked Brisket”

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93+ pts - Chris Stanley, Certified Sommelier - “The newly released 2013 Smith-Wooton Cabernet Franc is another marvel from Daniel Benton. Dark cherry, plum, leather, earth, spice, mint, and eucalyptus.

The 30 month barrel age is quite extensive and leaves a signature style; big, bold, and full of spice! Firm structure, size, weight, and showing high level of meaty dry tannins. Monstrous!”

Remember, we offer FREE Temperature-Controlled shipping during the hot summer months. Add optional ice packs if your local area is hot, and your wine will arrive in great condition!

Contact us for more details.