Michael Cruse’s wines deserve more recognition than they receive. His single vineyard bottlings are spectacular. His style is lean, fruity, and a dedicated employment of whole cluster press.
This Evangelho Carignan has a deep purple color in a medium, full body. There is bright blackberry, oak, and sandalwood. Intensely concentrated, on the serious structured side of the spectrum for the Cruse portfolio. — 7 years ago
The 2016 Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard is utterly sublime. Lifted, aromatically precise and nuanced, the 2016 Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard is fabulous. Rose petal, blood orange, cranberry and raspberry notes give the Monte Rosso striking aromatic presence and brightness. Unfortunately, Bedrock, like all the other wineries that purchased grapes at Monte Rosso, no longer have access to the fruit off this historic ranch. Morgan Peterson and Chris Cottrell certainly chose a strong vintage as their last. The 2016 is sublime. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, April 2018) — 8 years ago
Very floral nose of rose, strawberry, lilac, overripe raspberry, but not soggy, velvet and just a hint of cold charcoal. Deep burgundy with hints of purple to the edges, medium bodied, with slightly grippy tannins. Palate features ripe, deep red fruits, with notes of black olives, plums, blackberry and rose petal, with a long finish with notes of violet flowers and hints of tobacco smoke in the back of the throat. Three cheers for Kiko! — 3 years ago
Bedrock Dolinsek Ranch Red
Dried blackberries and rich black and pruned plums. Black cherry dusted bituminous. Cedar and wet violets locked in an energetic embrace. Baked strawberry aromas and dried rose petal. Dried lavender emerges from bing cherry and red currant with a blackberry and bitter chocolate entourage. Touches of ginger and chicory on a medium full palate that bursts with Mallow blossom and blueberry. Intermittently tart, tangy, rich and floral, with a medicinal nod in the dried aromatics, that is a welcome and pleasant diversion. There is a black currant leaf note that likely opens to fruit with age, but is still very pleasant in its youth. #bedrockwineco #BedrockDolinsekRanchVineyards #BedrockDolinsekRanchRed #Sonoma #RussianRiver #RussianRiverValley #Russianriverred #SonomaCounty #DolinsekRanch #dryfarmed #LagunaTrenton #redwine #cared #calired #californiawine — 5 years ago
Bedrock’s 2017 Syrah Coast To Foothills is a stunner. Silky, plush and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 is laced with the essence of sweet red cherry, lavender, rose petal, mint, blood orange and dried flowers. This succulent, inviting Syrah will drink well right out the gate. $24.00 (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2019) — 7 years ago
Went well with Thanksgiving dinner — 5 years ago
Disclosure I love everything Michael Cruz makes. 2016 sitting for a few years was rich and lush and opened up to rose petal and cherry and plum. Wonderful and sad that was the last bottle. — 5 years ago
The ‘17s just arrived so that means it was perfect timing to drink my last ‘16. @Morgan Twain-Peterson says these can age 5-10 yrs, but mine never seem to make it 5-10 months while I let all of the SVs rest in peace. A splash decant really helps the bouquet jump out on these. Rose petal, spice, and dark fruits balanced by wonderful acidity and some light tannin presence. A screaming value year in and year out. — 7 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
Angeleno Wine Company – The Meadow Rosé 2023 California – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
Angeleno Wine Company has carved out a name for championing Los Angeles–area vineyards and rare varietals, often reviving forgotten plots and turning them into expressive, small-production wines. The Meadow is their signature rosé, a field blend of Rhône and Iberian varietals (exact percentages vary by vintage), produced with minimal intervention to highlight freshness and site-driven character.
Aromas & Flavors
Delicate notes of wild strawberry, raspberry, and watermelon, laced with rose petal, orange peel, and a whisper of white pepper. Bright citrus undertones keep it lifted and refreshing.
Mouthfeel
Light-bodied, crisp, and bone-dry with vibrant acidity. The texture is clean and precise, finishing with a subtle mineral edge that speaks to the vineyard’s hillside character.
Winemaking Notes
Naturally fermented, aged in stainless steel to preserve brightness, and bottled with minimal sulfur. This rosé reflects Angeleno’s philosophy of low-intervention winemaking and transparency of terroir.
Food Pairing
Perfect with charcuterie boards, shrimp tacos, or grilled Mediterranean vegetables. Its crispness also makes it an ideal aperitif on a warm day.
Verdict
A lively, refreshing rosé that embodies Angeleno Wine Co.’s pioneering spirit in L.A. winemaking. Both playful and serious, it shows that Southern California can deliver authentic, terroir-driven wines.
Personal Pick Highlight
Ultra-limited and very L.A. at heart, this rosé stands as one of the most authentic expressions of California’s new-wave winemaking — a bottle that feels as much about place and community as it does about the wine itself. Cheers! — 2 months ago