SYOSSET, NY – JANUARY 2005 Welcome to the world of Circus, a double act of new wines from southern France that, like their namesake, celebrate revelry and conviviality carried out with showmanship and flair. Now making their U.S. début, Circus Shiraz 2003 and Shiraz-Cabernet 2003, together with their ultra-premium sibling, L'Ostal Cazes, a grand vin from the 2002 vintage, mark the latest winemaking initiative from the Cazes family, led by Jean-Michel Cazes and his son, Jean-Charles. This latest venture has led one of France's best known and most respected winemaking families from their ancestral home in Bordeaux, where they own several high-profile properties including Château Lynch-Bages, to the sun-splashed vineyards of southern France and the small, enchanting town of La Livinière in the Minervois district of the Languedoc.

All three wines originate at L'Ostal Cazes, a 370-acre property in La Livinière purchased by the Cazes in 2002. The estate, which includes 150 acres of vines, extensive olive groves and a state-of-the-art winery, represents a fruitful conclusion to years of careful searching on the part of Jean-Michel and Jean-Charles. Winemaking is overseen by family friend and colleague, Daniel Llose, who has worked alongside Jean-Michel Cazes for over 30 years as managing winemaker at Château Lynch-Bages, Ormes de Pez and other Cazes family estates. The word “Ostal,” derives from the ancient Occitaine language once spoken throughout southern France and refers to a family group or dwelling in which that family resides.

With the two Circus bottlings and L'Ostal Cazes, Jean-Michel, Jean-Charles and Daniel Llose have set out to create outstanding wines that reflect the character of local grape varieties and terroir. Vineyards at L'Ostal Cazes are planted primarily with Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache and Carignan. Approximately 10% of the harvest, representing the finest fruit -- about 500 six-bottle cases with the 2002 vintage -- is reserved for the grand vin , L'Ostal Cazes.

“There was much to lure us to the Languedoc, a region I believe represents the most exciting new frontier in France where pioneering winemakers are concerned. In the 1998, La Livinière in the Minervois became the first cru-designated district in the Languedoc. It's an area rich in promise, blessed with an excellent Mediterranean climate, ideal soil conditions and exposure, and a rising commitment to quality winemaking. In recent years the region has become a magnet for enterprising winemakers, from France and around the world.”     -- Jean-Michel Cazes