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.
Jul 9th, 2022
Very enjoyable but not as exciting perhaps as Ultramarine. I would 100% buy and enjoy this but I - as Michael Cruse himself explained - this one is more representative of CA as a whole whereas Ultramarine has a bit more of a sense of place. Just found it a bit less noteworthy but still very good.
Very enjoyable but not as exciting perhaps as Ultramarine. I would 100% buy and enjoy this but I - as Michael Cruse himself explained - this one is more representative of CA as a whole whereas Ultramarine has a bit more of a sense of place. Just found it a bit less noteworthy but still very good.
Jul 11th, 2020
California, USA
