SAN MARTIN, Calif. - Clos LaChance Winery announced today that it raised $13,500 for the American Red Cross' Tsunami relief efforts during January and February 2005. Moved by the disastrous results of the December 26, 2004 tsunami that hit the shores of South Asia, the winery pledged 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of its 2001 Zinfandel bottling sold through the winery's website www.clos.com, visitor center and by phone.

"The sale of our Zinfandel for this worthy cause was a great success. We couldn't have made this donation, however, without the generous support of our customers," said winery founder and CEO Bill Murphy. "On behalf of our Clos patrons and the winery, it is a great pleasure to make this donation today."

The winery just released its 2002 El Dorado Zinfandel, which garnered 90 points in the April 2005 Wine & Spirits magazine. It is now available at retailers and restaurants across the country, on the winery's website and through its wine club. With the 2003 vintage, the winery's red wines including the Zinfandel will be sourced from the winery's San Martin estate completing Clos LaChance's transition to an estate-based winery.

About Clos LaChance
Clos LaChance (www.clos.com) is a family-owned winery located in San Martin, California, 30 minutes south of San Jose and 45 minutes north of the Monterey Peninsula. Owners Bill and Brenda Murphy strive to provide customers with high quality, stylistically consistent wines that are varietally distinct. Food & Wine magazine named the winery as one of ten "U.S. Wineries to Watch" in October 2003. Clos LaChance takes its name from the small fenced-in area encompassing a vineyard (Clos) and from co-owner Brenda Murphy's maiden name. Winemaker Stephen Tebb crafts Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Zinfandel. Under the direction of Ben Scorsur, vineyard manager for Clos LaChance Winery and CK Vines, 20 varietals are currently under extensive clonal research at the estate.

The Clos LaChance Winery features a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, estate vineyards and hospitality center. Sunset magazine recommended the winery in its "Best of the West" issue, November 2003. In June 2004, Clos LaChance opened the doors to its second tasting room, located on Monterey's famous Cannery Row. For further information, please visit www.clos.com.

Clos LaChance Winery

Clos LaChance Winery

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