2010 C R O Z E CHARDONNAY
WINE PROFILE
Winemaker:
Gary E. Wooton
Blend:
100% Chardonnay
Vineyard:
Simone, Sustainable Agricultural Practices
Appellation:
Oak Knoll District
Alcohol:
13.5 %
p H:
3.27
Aging:
11 months in French oak barrels
Production:
4 barrels
Grapes for our 2010 CROZE Chardonnay came from Simone Vineyard, a ten acre parcel In
Napa Valley's Oak Knoll District, which yields 20 - 25 tons of fruit. This is one of the few remaining
mid-valley Chardonnay vineyards. It is owned and farmed by Jim Simpson, a truly gifted grower of
grapes as well as fine vegetables for Napa Valley's premier restaurants.
This is a sweet spot for Chardonnay which benefits from the "chimney effect" of San Pablo
Bay. Like the French Mistrals of France's Burgundy region, the cool breezes and morning fog
provide a cooler climate, ideal for these tender grapes.
These grapes were harvested in October, 2010. The juice was barrel fermented and then
aged In French oak for 11 months. This wine was fermented sur lie, no malo-lactic inoculation
(ML). This style of winemaking allows for rich complexity, but maintains the vibrant acidity of the
wine. One barrel with a small amount of botrytis, was sterile filtered and combined with the other
barrels to add complexity to the wine.
TASTING NOTES
"The 2010 Croze Chardonnay is a clean, focused style which brings to mind baked apples
in a savory homemade crust. There are cascades of brown spices and Honey Crisp apple.
This is a standout Napa Chardonnay in a sea of the usual oaky, buttery style. This darling
is all about the purity of the fruit and the subtleties of a confident wine." Gabrielle Shaffer Sommelier
Scan and view 2010 Chardonnay Video
AVATAR Vintners, Inc.  P.O. Box 2679  Yountville  CA  94599
Corporate office 707.944.9247  fax 707.944.9272
www.croze-cab.com croze@interx.net