Price: $29.99
Sale Price: $24.97
Michael Cruse is one of California's most talented young winemakers. In 2013, he launched the Cruse Wine Company, focused on fresh, fruit-driven wines meant to embody California itself, not to serve as an analogue or response to European stylings (an approach in American winemaking). Therein lies the root of the decision to focus not on Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir, but varieties well-suited to California’s terroir that can carve out their own identity in the marketplace. For Cruse, this most importantly means Valdiguié, or Napa Gamay as it was called in the mid-20th century, known for producing gulpable, fun wines closest in style to Beaujolais (hence the moniker). His flagship “Monkey Jacket” is a field blend comprised of mainly of Valdiguié, but with some doses of Carignan, Petite Sirah, and a contingent of other varieties blended in. It is fermented in concrete, 50% using whole cluster fermentation. Half is aged in concrete, half in barrel. Pretty and blue-fruited, plush and friendly, lifted yet meaty, this is party wine to its very core! Pair it with meat straight off the grill, barbecue dishes, and Chinese takeout.
