Cruse Wine Co. is a small but very highly regarded winery in Sonoma making some top red blends, pet-nat and some of the best traditional sparkling wines in California. Owner/winemaker Michael Cruse is one of the most thoughtful and engaging producers in the region, continually trying new blends and refining his understanding of his wines.

Monkey Jacket is primarily Valdigui from vineyards carefully selected and located in Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma, and Suisun counties. The synergy of these diverse terroirs showcase the beauty of Northern California, while still remaining accessible.

Approximately 20% of the blend was fermented whole cluster. All of the grapes were fermented in concrete and then pressed into older French oak barrels, a few puncheons, concrete tanks, and a small amount of stainless steel with an eye on transparency of fruit. Malolactic occurred naturally with the wine receiving a light sulfur addition immediately before bottling.

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• Vintage: 2020 Format: 1 x 750ml Availability: in stock Country: USA Region: Northern California Varietal(s): Valdigue, Petite Sirah, Carignan+ others

• 90 POINTS, VINOUS
  The 2018 Monkey Jacket is aromatic, light on its feet and refreshing, all of which make it an absolute joy to drink now. Perfumed floral notes and sweet crushed red berry fruit add to a feeling of freshness. In 2018, yields were a bit higher for the Valdigui, so it is more prominent in the blend than in years past.