2022 Monkey Jacket
Cruse Wine Co.
Mendocino, CA

$24.99 on 6+ (6saves2)
$26.99 otherwise

Cruse Wine Co, "Monkey Jacket", Valdiguie, Tannat Syrah! I have had a few of these over the years and it is quite the impressive little wine. Complex, composed, and generous as it always delivers, but is never over the top. My impressions of this wine are a California version of what a Northern Rhone from Saint-Joseph or Crozes-Hermitage delivers. Complex, deep red fruits with spice and savory notes. Blows away just about every cotes-du-rhone in this price range and above.

• Varietal Breakdown: 53% Valdiguié, 14% Carignan, 18% Petite Sirah, 8% Tannat, 3% St. Laurent, 1% Pinot Noir
• AVA Breakdown: 58% Mendocino, 31% Solano, 7% Napa Valley, 3% Carneros, 1% Sierra Foothills
• Alcohol: 12.5%

2020: 92pts Robert Parker WA
The 2020 Monkey Jacket has a medium ruby-purple color and pretty aromas of cranberries, raspberries and rhubarb with touches of tea leaves, powdered sugar and dusty earth. The palate is light-bodied, bright and juicy, offering a core of fragrant fruits and a gentle tanginess to the acidity that makes your mouth pucker and drives you to take another sip. This is so easy to drink!