Cruse Wine Company, Red Blend Monkey Jacket North Coast 2017

A blend primarily composed of Valdiguié, Carignan, Tannat, and red field blend from the North Coast of California. This is an attempt to capture the vintage in a glass and show what California is exceptional at -- making a high quality, engaging, wine for your table.

North Coast, California

VARIETALS: 42% Valdiguié, 22% Mixed Reds, 14% Petite Sirah, 10% Carignan, 8% Syrah, 2% St. Laurent, and 2% Pinot Noir

VINEYARD: Monkey Jacket was always intended to be a predominantly Valdiguié based blend and with the 2017 vintage we were able to make it 42% of the blend, a significant change from 2016. We also no longer have Tannat in the mix. The vineyards are carefully selected and located Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma, and Suisun counties, the same we’ve been using from the beginning. The synergy of these diverse terroirs showcase the beauty of Northern California, while still remaining accessible. The 2017 was a perfect vintage for this blend, brimming with bright fruit and pleasure.

VINIFICATION: 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.

Production: 2870 cases
Alcohol: 13%

LOW SULFITE. MINIMAL INTERVENTION.  PRACTICING ORGANIC. SUSTAINABLE. ORGANIC. VEGAN.