2019 SMITH WOOTON MELANGE NAPA VALLEY RED BLEND The 2019 Smith Wooton Mélange Napa Valley Red Blend is produced under the Smith Wooton label, a small, focused project of Croze Napa Valley that emphasizes limited-production wines sourced from select vineyard sites across Napa Valley. Rather than relying on estate fruit alone, Smith Wooton works with highly regarded independent growers who farm their vineyards with close attention to site expression and vine health. This approach allows the wines to reflect a range of Napa Valley terroirs while maintaining a consistent philosophy centered on balance, structure, and clarity. Winemaking is led by Daniel Benton, who is deeply involved in vineyard selection and harvest decisions. Benton spends extensive time in the vineyards throughout the growing season, working directly with growers to understand the nuances of each parcel. His goal is to highlight the natural strengths of each site rather than impose a uniform style, resulting in wines that emphasize harmony between fruit, structure, and oak rather than sheer power. The Mélange is crafted in a Right Bank–inspired Bordeaux style, a relatively uncommon approach in Napa Valley. The 2019 vintage is composed of 60 percent Cabernet Franc and 40 percent Merlot and was aged for 30 months in French oak barrels. This extended élevage contributes to the wine’s integration and polish while preserving varietal character. The final wine is balanced and expressive, offering complexity and structure that align closely with classic Right Bank sensibilities, and it delivers a level of refinement that stands out in its category and price range.