Cruse Wine Co. Monkey Jacket 2020

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Cruse Wine Co.
Label Name:
 
Monkey Jacket
Vintage:
 
2020
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
North Coast (Mendocino, Solano/Suisun, Napa, Sonoma)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
12.5%
Grape(s):
 
Valdiguié 53%, Carignan 14%, Red field blend 14%, Petite Sirah 8%, Tannat 8%, St. Laurent 3%, Pinot Noir 1%
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
2
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
2
Length:
 
3
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
13-15°C

Awards/Ratings
92 points — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2020 vintage); reviewer notes a bright, light-bodied, juicy profile and recommends drinking from around 2027

Tasting Note
Bright raspberry and crushed strawberry, bramble, rhubarb and sweet floral notes with hints of olive and leather. Light-bodied, vibrant acidity, gentle chalky tannins, and a clean, refreshing finish—thirst-quenching and fruit-forward.

Food Pairing
Western: roasted chicken, grilled sausages, charcuterie, pizza, mushroom risotto. Asian: Korean fried chicken, char siu (BBQ pork), yakitori or teriyaki chicken, mild Szechuan dishes, pork belly baos.

Production Method
Approximately 20–25% whole-cluster; majority fermented in concrete tanks; pressed to older French oak, used puncheons and concrete; native malolactic; minimal sulfur and low-intervention approach preserving fruit transparency.

Vineyard Info
Founded by Michael Cruse (2013). Cruse Wine Co. highlights overlooked North Coast varieties (Valdiguié, Tannat, Carignan), sourcing from Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma and Solano and emphasizing freshness and minimalist winemaking.