Talus Cellars Launches Lodi Appellation Shiraz

LODI, Calif., January 28, 2003 – Talus Cellars, the popular California winery, is taking an exciting step in a new direction with the release of its first Lodi appellation wine in early February.  The Talus 2000 Lodi Shiraz will be distributed nationally. 

“As a fourth generation native of Lodi, I’m very excited about producing a Lodi Shiraz,” said Talus Winemaker Todd Ziemann.  “Lodi has a rich history of producing high quality wines and I’m proud that our popular Shiraz will now have Lodi on the label.”

The Talus 2000 Lodi Shiraz is a full-bodied wine with balanced tannins.  The aroma is full of blackberry, roasted coffee and clove.  The body is rich with bright fruit flavors and has a touch of sweet vanilla oak on the finish.  The suggested retail price of the wine is $9.

Over the past few years, Talus has increased the percentage of Lodi appellation grapes used in its wines.  The 2000 Shiraz is the third vintage of Shiraz for Talus, but the first carrying the Lodi appellation.

Talus (www.taluscellars.com) produces delicious versions of the best-selling varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Zinfandel.  Talus wines are created from the finer coastal and valley appellations of California, using the blending process to produce rich, complex wines at affordable prices.

Talus is made by Canandaigua Wine Company, a division of Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ, STZ.B). Canandaigua Wine, the world's second largest wine company, satisfies millions of consumers nationwide by providing quality wines for the enjoyment of everyday life. Canandaigua Wine produces, markets and sells more than 40 well known brands. Leading table wine brands include Alice White, Almaden, Columbia, Covey Run, Dunnewood, Inglenook, Talus and Vendange. Constellation Brands, Inc. is a leading producer and marketer of beverage alcohol brands, with a broad portfolio of wines, spirits and imported beers. The Company is the largest single-source provider of these products in the United States, and both a major producer and independent drinks wholesaler in the United Kingdom.

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