California Love Story (in a Box)

Some wines impress. Others become part of lasting memories. The California Love Story wine set brings you a curated collection from Michael Cruse, showcasing a modern vision of California wine shaped by precision, energy, and balance.

Michael Cruse focuses on freshness, moderate alcohol, and site expression. As a result, his wines highlight clarity over weight and finesse over power. Across multiple AVAs, each bottle reflects a consistent philosophy rooted in thoughtful winemaking.

Cruse Tradition Rosé Sparkling 2021 Base Vintage

This sparkling rosé comes from a 2021 base vintage. Pinot Noir forms 95% of the blend, with a small portion vinified as red wine to create an assemblage style. Chardonnay completes the blend. The fruit comes from cool climate sites including Heintz Vineyard, Rorick Vineyard, Lakeville, and Alder Springs. Therefore, the wine shows structure, acidity, and elegance.

The team pressed the grapes using a traditional method cycle. Fermentation took place in barrel with native yeasts and natural malolactic conversion, without sulfur at this stage. After blending, the wine aged for two years on lees. It was then disgorged with 6 g/L dosage and rested before release. As a result, the wine shows both texture and precision.

In the glass, it displays a vibrant pink color with a slight orange hue. Aromas of strawberry, peach, cream, and rose petal lead the way. On the palate, the mousse feels soft and refined. The wine balances fresh acidity with gentle ripeness and depth.

This is the wine we opened after our engagement in Muir Woods. Therefore, it carries personal meaning and reflects the origin of americanwine.club.

Monkey Jacket Red Blend 2022 California

The 2022 Monkey Jacket is a California red blend of Zinfandel, Valdiguié, Carignan, Petite Sirah, and Tannat. The fruit comes mainly from Mendocino, with additional sourcing from Napa Valley. Many vines are over 70 years old. As a result, the wine shows both concentration and character.

About half of the fruit fermented as whole clusters in concrete. The wine then aged in neutral barrels and concrete tanks. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Therefore, the final wine keeps its texture and purity.

On the nose, it shows strawberry jam, plum, raspberry, and black pepper. On the palate, the wine feels energetic and lifted. Light tannins and fresh acidity support a spicy and vibrant finish. At 12.5% alcohol, it remains balanced and highly drinkable.

Sparkling St Laurent 2023 Carneros Sonoma

The 2023 Sparkling St Laurent comes from Ricci Vineyard in Carneros, close to San Pablo Bay. This site benefits from fog, wind, and Haire clay loam soils. As a result, the wine shows freshness and structure.

The grapes were hand harvested and gently pressed after a short maceration. Fermentation began naturally in stainless steel and finished in bottle. The wine aged for 12 months on lees and was disgorged without additions. Therefore, it offers a pure and direct expression.

In the glass, it shows a pale pink color with lively bubbles. Aromas of watermelon, strawberry, and raspberry come forward first. On the palate, citrus notes of lemon, kumquat, and tangerine add energy. A fine chalky texture gives structure and length.

A journey through California wine regions

This set brings together multiple California AVAs in one experience. Mendocino adds freshness and coastal influence. Napa Valley contributes structure. Carneros brings cool climate precision. At the same time, carefully selected vineyard sites shape the sparkling rosé. Therefore, each wine reflects its origin with clarity.

Premium wooden gift box

The California Love Story set arrives in a sustainably crafted wooden box made from fir and poplar plywood. A social enterprise in Switzerland produces the box and supports inclusive employment. As a result, the packaging reflects the same values as the wines.

Three wines. Three expressions. One philosophy focused on balance, energy, and authenticity.

Exclusively curated for americanwine.club.