Cruse Wine Co. "Tradition" California Sparkling Wine

One-third perpetual cuvee and 73% Chardonnay and 27% Pinot Noir sourced from Rorick Heritage Vineyard in the Sierra Foothills AVA, Alder Springs in Mendocino, Keefer Ranch and Heintz in the Russian River Valley, and the Linda Vista Vineyard in Napa’s Oak Knoll area. Pressed in a traditional Champagne cycle, native and malolactic fermentation is in barrel and wooden tanks. No sulfur was added during élevage. Racked once, tirage bottled without fining or filtering. After 18 months, the wine is riddled and disgorged à la volée with zero dosage and no sulfur. Deep lemon-gold, with very fine beads. A wealth of toasted nuts aromas and fresh-cut hay. Wild and savage on the palate with a creamy brininess and a cacophony of layers redolent of bruised red berries, bacon fat, dried herbs, and crushed almonds. It’s mystifying for its elegance and outlying, perplexing savoury qualities.