WINEMAKER’S NOTES

Composed of top quality fruit from Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley and Carneros growing regions, Simi Chardonnay is characterized by excellent balance, luscious fruit flavors and a long, elegant finish. Lively on the palate with green apple, stone fruit and light citrus, accented by cream and spice notes from barrel fermentation.

THE WINE

Appearance: Brilliantly clear, light yellow straw

Aroma: Fresh green apple, nectarine, Meyer lemon and orange zest are laced with notes of vanilla, honey and toasted brioche with a lifted mineral edge.

Flavor: Golden delicious apple and tangerine are lightly warmed with subtle notes of cream, butter and smoke finishing with a note of lime zest.

Price: $12.99 Save $5.00

Cabernet Sauvignon

A purple-red wine with ruby sparkles.  Its aroma is reminiscent of  raspberries, currants, and plums.  On the pallet it’s elegant and well-rounded with balanced tannins and a long finish.

Malbec

An intense garnet red wine.  Its aroma is reminiscent of plum and cherry over a background of walnuts and hazelnuts.  On the palate it’s an elegant and balanced wine with soft tannins and a long finish.

Merlot

A ruby-red wine with violet tints.  Its aroma is reminiscent of plum and raspberry over a spicy background.  On the palette it’s a fruity, full-bodied, elegant wine with soft and sweet tannins.

Price: $4.99 a bottle, $49.99 a case

Sauvignon Blanc

2008 CROZE Sauvignon Blanc is our premier “White Croze.” The grapes came from Monte Lago Vineyard in the hills overlooking Clearlake, California. One half are the traditional Sauvignon Blanc clone and the other half are the Musque clone which is known for its aromatics. This vineyard produces low yields of intense fruit with bright, crisp flavors and moderate tannins.

This wine reflects the vineyard’s low yield of intense, varietally correct fruit. Its bouquet reveals fresh aromas of lime and mineral. As the wine opens in the glass, layering flavors of citrus oil and honeydew emerge. The finish is agreeably long and full and its white gold hue glows in the glass. 2008 CROZE Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with salads, poultry, fish and lighter pasta dishes.

Price: $8.99 Save $13.00

Cabernet Savignon

Estancia Sauvignon Blanc grapes are grown in our Pinnacles Vineyard on the east side of the Salinas Valley at the base of the Gabilan Mountains, with additional fruit from the Santa Lucia Highlands to the west. The cool climate and unique soil variations keep yields low and fruit intensity high.

The 2007 growing season began with a late bud break due to an unusually cold, wet spring. These cooler weather conditions allowed the vines to develop slowly before the summer heat crept into the valley. The result was a shortened growing season which attributed to an elegant, medium bodied, thirst quenching Sauvignon Blanc.

Price: $10.99 Save $6.00

Chardonnay

Our Classic Sonoma County Chardonnay exhibits ripe fruity flavors of pear, crisp green apple, vanilla and toasty caramel. A medium-bodied wine, approximately 70% is barrel-fermented to integrate fruit and oak flavors. Partial malolactic fermentation adds a rich texture and buttery component on the palate. Sonoma County Chardonnay is aged in the barrel for 6-8 months before bottling.

Food Pairing

This Chardonnay is perfect for sipping alone or with fish, chicken or lighter pasta dishes. Enjoy lightly chilled – store in a cool place, then place in the refrigerator about a hour before serving.

Price: $9.99 Save $3.00

Cabernet Sauvignon

Our Cabernet Sauvignon ranks among our most popular Classics varietals. We carefully select the grapes to achieve the richness and balance associated with Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon. Up to four weeks of fermentation and maceration (time in contact with the grape skins) develops the optimum color and flavor in the wine, while aging in 60-gallon oak barrels adds softness and a light vanillin overtone.

The finished wine exhibits deep, berry flavors, a peppery character and a subtle overlay of oak.

Food Pairing

Cab is a big wine and stands up well to full-flavored dishes. Try this wine with hamburgers, steak or rich, meat-sauced pasta dishes.

Price: $12.99 Save $5.00

Merlot

The fruit for our Classic Sonoma County Merlot comes from vineyards in Sonoma County’s Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys. Extended maceration enhances color, flavor and mouthfeel, and aging for 18 months in 60-gallon oak barrels adds softness and a subtle vanillin component. We blend small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon to add structure and complexity, which enlivens the subtle texture and plum-like fruitiness that is the hallmark of fine Merlot.

Food Pairing

Merlot is food’s best friend and a fantastic party choice. We like ours with roasted leg of lamb or tomato-based pasta dishes.

Price: $12.99 Save $5.00