2018 Croze Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
2018 Croze Cabernet Sauvignon follows the Croze philosophy of balance and elegance. Our signature wine shows its deep roots in the cult wine growing area of Oakville, and its great pedigree . This wine is a classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon showing its Oakville roots with beautiful aromas of dark plum, cocoa and toasted oak, unfolding into hazelnut and cloves, full bodied with depth, moderate tannin and brillant acidity on the finish.
The grapes were harvested in October 2018 and following a slow fermentation the wine was racked to barrel using 1/3 new, 1/3 once filled and 1/3 twice filled French Oak barrels. The wine was racked twice in 2019 and 2020.
Tasting Notes
Deep ruby in color our signature 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon opens with opulent notes of intense berry fruit, toasted coconut and an earthy plum. Great balance and brilliant acidity on the palate. Decanting is recommended as the wine becomes more & more complex providing an intriguing and full flavored experience.
Vineyard Notes
This site made history as part of the core of Groth’s incredible 1985 Cabernet Sauvignon, the first American wine that garnered a perfect 100-point score from Robert Parker, Jr. Considered a “platinum-rated” vineyard for its highly desirable combination of climate and soil type, Money Road Ranch sits on a deep soil layered with loam and gravel. It’s a highly unique microclimate here, with a 30 degree swing in temperatures between day and night, a record for Oakville. The resulting fruit is well-endowed with plump fruit and mouthwatering acidity.
Production Notes
The grapes were hand-picked, crushed and fermented in small lots to preserve fruit character and prevent extraction of harsh tannins. The lots were fermented separately, and the resulting blend combined. October 25, 2018, the wine was moved to barrel using 1/3 new, 1/3 once filled and 1/3 neutral French Oak barrels from the Nevers forest. The wine was racked twice yearly until bottling. After 24 months of oak aging, the wine was bottled. Since then it has rested in bottle, allowing the flavors to mature. The result is an elegant wine with a touch of classic Bordeaux married with Napa Valley style.
Winemaker Notes
Winemaker Daniel Benton’s emphasis on balance and elegance is showcased in this lovely, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Its Bordeaux heritage is evident in the finesse and finish. While imminently drinkable now, it has the structure to be aged for as long as you can stand to wait.
Pairings
2018 CROZE Napa Valley is a natural with aged beef, rack of lamb or anything from the grill. This wine is lovely now though will improve with time in the cellar or a swirl in your decanter.
Wine Profile
| Vintage |
2018 |
| Wine Style |
Red Wine |
| Varietal |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Varietal Composition |
100%
Cabernet Sauvignon
|
| Appellation |
Napa Valley |
| Harvest Date |
October 18, 2018 |
| PH |
3.75 |
| Aging |
24 Months French Oak |
| Barrel Aging |
24 Months French Oak
|
| Ageability |
15+ |
| Bottling Date |
November 25th 2020 |
| Tannin |
Soft |
| Alcohol % |
14.2 |
| Size |
750 ml |
