Alcohol: 12.7%
Grape(s): 27% Zinfandel, 26% Valdiguié, 22% Carignan, 19% Petite Sirah, 6% Tannat
Location: North Coast, California
Tasting Notes: The wine opens with lifted aromas of violets, wildflowers, darker red fruits, mixed berries, mint, and a hint of fresh pepper. On the palate, bright acidity carries deeply savory tones, subtle grilled notes, dried cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, and a gentle mineral softness. The finish is clean and refreshing, with simple, refined tannins that leave a graceful lift.
Notes: Fermented with native yeast and built from 50% whole clusters, the wine is crafted entirely in concrete before aging half in concrete and half in neutral barrels, preserving purity and freshness. Sourced from vineyards farmed with organic practices, it’s intentionally made to be bright, juicy, and effortlessly chillable—a modern California table wine with real structure and charm.
Food pairing: This versatile wine pairs well with charcuterie and pâté, grilled sausages or burgers, roast chicken, and anything tomato‑based, like pizza. It also pairs beautifully with Korean BBQ, earthy mushroom dishes, and even works chilled with summer salads or casual picnic fare.
Winery Story: Michael Cruse founded Cruse Wine Co. to create expressive, drinkable California wines that sit outside the state’s typical Cabernet‑centric identity. Known for his sparkling wines (Ultramarine) and for championing heritage varieties like Valdiguié and Carignan, Cruse focuses on freshness, moderate alcohol, native fermentations, and concrete aging. “Monkey Jacket” is the flagship—named after an old British sailor’s song—and represents Cruse’s vision of bright, quaffable, affordable California red wine
