Cruse Wine Co. 2023 Sparkling St. Laurent

The 2023 Sparkling St. Laurent by Michael Cruse is a vivid example of California’s next-generation sparkling wines. Crafted from the rare Austrian grape St. Laurent, this wine originates from the Ricci Vineyard in Sonoma’s Carneros AVA. Situated near the San Pablo Bay, the vineyard benefits from foggy mornings and cool maritime breezes, ideal for preserving freshness. The soils—Haire clay loam—enhance the wine’s texture and minerality.

Michael Cruse has worked with Ricci Vineyard for years. His signature low-intervention approach defines this wine: hand-harvested grapes, a short maceration, and a gentle sparkling press cycle. Fermentation begins naturally in stainless steel, then continues in the bottle. The wine ages for 12 months on lees and is disgorged without dosage or added sulfur. Nothing but wine.

In the glass, it gleams pale pink with lively bubbles. The nose offers ripe strawberry, raspberry sorbet, and fresh watermelon. On the palate, you’ll find kumquat, lemon zest, and a meringue-like chalkiness. This pétillant naturel is light, fizzy, and dangerously drinkable.

Only 4,000 bottles were produced. We are proud to offer this rare cuvée exclusively in Europe through americanwine.club.