Benton Family Wines (Croze & Smith Wooten) was founded in 1997 to produce handcrafted Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Avatar became the embodiment of the philosophy of its winemaker. Croze produced its first Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon using the CROZE label in 1998. 2019 marks our 20th year of production.

This Old-World Style fine wine received special attention by the Winemakers as he created a fine wine with layers of complexity. Their 2020 SMITH WOOTON CABERNET FRANC is the result of their labors.

This is a classic Smith Wooten wine that coats the palate and leaves you craving another sip. This wine has the balance to age gracefully for a decade.

TASTING NOTES:

The wine opens with aromas of dried rose pedals and sweet roasted peppers with just a touch of spice. There is a memory of and dark cherries with tingles of spices as the wine coats the palate. The wine demonstrates classic leather notes on the finish.

PRODUCTION NOTES
Grapes for the SMITH WOOTON CABERNET FRANC come from tiny, Flinn Vineyard in the heart of the Oak Knoll District. Winemaker, Daniel Benton managed the vineyard and became intimately familiar with each vine. As the result of his efforts the grapes came in loaded with varietal flavors. With just an acre of grapes, production is very limited.

WINEMAKER NOTES
The grapes were crushed and bin fermented in small lots at cool temperatures. This method created a long fermentation which accentuated the fruit flavors and added complexity. To avoid extraction of harsh tannins, no pumps were used until after the wine was pressed off the skins.

Winemaker, Daniel Benton handcrafts SMITH WOOTON Wines as a showcase for small lots of unique varietals.  Today, Smith Wooton is the label we use for some of our most boutique production wines. The history of the brand represents family and friends and is a showcase of the connection between Mother Nature and winemaker. As a family, we have forged partnerships with some of the most talented grape growers in CA. These growers share our belief and commitment to the land, vines, and people behind the product.

Barrel Aging 28 Months in French Oak Barrels
ABV 14.5%