Cruse Wine Co.
Tradition Sparkling Chardonnay - Pinot Noir Blend
California, USA
My first of the LC18 (vintage 2018). I’m a fan of Michael Cruse and enjoy his Ultramarine sparklers, and while it’s hard to compare UM to this, there are similarities and these are really delicious, especially for the money.
2018 (released 2021), zero dosage. When comparing to last year’s release, this was most reminiscent of the final bottle I had last year as it has a pronounced carmex-like aromatic I get with many zero dosage sparklers. Oxidized aromatics and notes on the palate, but this isn’t an oxidative-style sparkler. Whereas last year’s release was apple everything (browned golden delicious apple, Apple strudel, apple spice), this is more ripe pear driven. Mid palate is fairly rich with limestone, dried honey and honeysuckle, but the finish is very Hefeweizen-like (coriander, orange peel). Aggressive mousse on day one but much more mellow on day two. These have such a cool grower champagne profile to them, and I think they are best enjoyed in their youth to capture the freshness.
My first of the LC18 (vintage 2018). I’m a fan of Michael Cruse and enjoy his Ultramarine sparklers, and while it’s hard to compare UM to this, there are similarities and these are really delicious, especially for the money.
2018 (released 2021), zero dosage. When comparing to last year’s release, this was most reminiscent of the final bottle I had last year as it has a pronounced carmex-like aromatic I get with many zero dosage sparklers. Oxidized aromatics and notes on the palate, but this isn’t an oxidative-style sparkler. Whereas last year’s release was apple everything (browned golden delicious apple, Apple strudel, apple spice), this is more ripe pear driven. Mid palate is fairly rich with limestone, dried honey and honeysuckle, but the finish is very Hefeweizen-like (coriander, orange peel). Aggressive mousse on day one but much more mellow on day two. These have such a cool grower champagne profile to them, and I think they are best enjoyed in their youth to capture the freshness.
My last of these. I experienced a bit of bottle variation with mine, some showing extremely fresh and others not so much. I’m a fan of Michael Cruse and enjoy his Ultramarine sparklers, and while it’s hard to compare UM to this, there are similarities and these are really delicious, especially for the money. This has a grower champagne like profile to it.
2017 base (released spring 2020), zero dosage. My first experience with this was during the dosage trial last year. Lots of fun to taste this wine at different levels. On previous bottles, it never came across as zero dosage, yet this final bottle had a pronounced carmex-like aromatic I get with many zero dosage sparklers. Oxidized aromatics and notes on the palate. This is apple everything...browned golden delicious apple, Apple strudel, apple spice. Mid palate is fairly rich with limestone, floral nuances, and a tart finish. Mousse here has died down some and the profile has become more vinous. I’d enjoy these sooner rather than later to capture the freshness.
My last of these. I experienced a bit of bottle variation with mine, some showing extremely fresh and others not so much. I’m a fan of Michael Cruse and enjoy his Ultramarine sparklers, and while it’s hard to compare UM to this, there are similarities and these are really delicious, especially for the money. This has a grower champagne like profile to it.
2017 base (released spring 2020), zero dosage. My first experience with this was during the dosage trial last year. Lots of fun to taste this wine at different levels. On previous bottles, it never came across as zero dosage, yet this final bottle had a pronounced carmex-like aromatic I get with many zero dosage sparklers. Oxidized aromatics and notes on the palate. This is apple everything...browned golden delicious apple, Apple strudel, apple spice. Mid palate is fairly rich with limestone, floral nuances, and a tart finish. Mousse here has died down some and the profile has become more vinous. I’d enjoy these sooner rather than later to capture the freshness.
Long green apple flavors with some butter and brioche. Traditional champagne qualities, but If I’m being picky, it sits heavy on the palate. Missing the weightlessness and elegance of good entry level grower champagne.
Long green apple flavors with some butter and brioche. Traditional champagne qualities, but If I’m being picky, it sits heavy on the palate. Missing the weightlessness and elegance of good entry level grower champagne.
May 6th, 2021
Yellow pear and apple, ginger, quince, this is a real nice blended sparkling.
Yellow pear and apple, ginger, quince, this is a real nice blended sparkling.
Aug 1st, 2020
Fun Cali zero dosage. Smooth and round, not nearly angular as I was expecting.
Fun Cali zero dosage. Smooth and round, not nearly angular as I was expecting.
1 person found it helpfulNov 28th, 20192019 NV. Super interesting stuff. Finesse and complexity of well made traditional method but completely distinct in style. Traditional citrus is mixed with slightly oxidative honey and tree sap, with a grippy, refreshing phenolic touch and an orange bitters complexity on the palate. Autolytic profile is not front and center, supports the forest-like freshness. Dosage is zero but you wouldn’t guess it, it’s in balance, not just trendy
2019 NV. Super interesting stuff. Finesse and complexity of well made traditional method but completely distinct in style. Traditional citrus is mixed with slightly oxidative honey and tree sap, with a grippy, refreshing phenolic touch and an orange bitters complexity on the palate. Autolytic profile is not front and center, supports the forest-like freshness. Dosage is zero but you wouldn’t guess it, it’s in balance, not just trendy
Dec 3rd, 2023
Green apple, lemon zest, baked bread.
Green apple, lemon zest, baked bread.
Dec 3rd, 2021
Cruse is like the Cali-Cartel of sparkling and since we haven’t lucked out to any Ultramarine in Texas, this is the best I’ve tasted yet. And it’s really awesome.
An ode to Cali sparkling in the traditional method. Complex, deep, rich. Yellow orchard fruits, roasted nuts, baked breads.
A slice of crisp yellow apple dusted in cinnamon and lemon zest.
Cruse is like the Cali-Cartel of sparkling and since we haven’t lucked out to any Ultramarine in Texas, this is the best I’ve tasted yet. And it’s really awesome.
An ode to Cali sparkling in the traditional method. Complex, deep, rich. Yellow orchard fruits, roasted nuts, baked breads.
A slice of crisp yellow apple dusted in cinnamon and lemon zest.
