California Love Story (in a Box)

There are wines that impress. And then there are wines that become part of a love story. California Love Story (in a Box) brings both together.

With Cruse Wine Co., Michael Cruse has defined a modern vision of California wine rooted in precision and energy. His wines emphasize site expression, moderate alcohol, and thoughtful winemaking. Instead of power, he pursues balance. Instead of weight, he seeks clarity. Across different AVAs, his work consistently reflects freshness and finesse.

Cruse Tradition Rosé – 2021 Base Vintage

This wine is from the 2021 base vintage. Pinot Noir makes up 95% of the blend, with approximately 7% vinified as red wine, creating an assemblage rosé. The remainder is Chardonnay. The vineyards include Heintz Vineyard, Rorick Vineyard, Lakeville, and Alder Springs, all cool climate sites known for structured acidity and elegance.

The grapes were pressed using a traditional Champagne cycle and press cut. Fermentation occurred separately in barrel with native yeasts and natural malolactic fermentation, without sulfur. After blending in spring, the wine was tirage bottled and aged two years on lees. It was riddled and disgorged with 6 g/L dosage and rested an additional five months before release.

The result is a vibrant pink sparkling rosé with a slight orange hue and a soft, creamy mousse. Aromatically, it shows strawberries, peaches, unsweetened cream, rose petals, and subtle cola spice. The acidity is present but not aggressive, while the ripeness adds gentle weight and depth. At 12.5% alcohol and 5 bar pressure, it balances character with drinkability.

This is the very wine my wife and I opened after our engagement in Muir Woods. Surrounded by towering redwoods and coastal Northern California air, this bottle became part of a lifelong memory. Michael Cruse is one reason americanwine.club was founded, and sharing this wine feels deeply meaningful.

Monkey Jacket 2022

The 2022 Monkey Jacket blends 27% Zinfandel, 26% Valdiguié, 22% Carignan, 19% Petite Sirah, and 6% Tannat. The fruit comes from vineyards practicing organic farming, with an average vine age of 70 years. Seventy five percent of the blend originates from Mendocino County and twenty five percent from Napa Valley, bringing together cool Pacific influence and structured valley sites.

Approximately half of the wine was fermented whole cluster, all in concrete. Aging occurred in a mix of concrete tanks and used barrels. No additives were used except sulfur, and the wine was bottled without fining or filtering.

At just 12.5% alcohol, Monkey Jacket delivers energy and lift. The nose shows strawberry jam, plum, black pepper, and raspberries. The palate is spicy, with light fruity tannins, tobacco leaf, and a refreshing finish. It can be served at cellar temperature or with a light chill. This is California sunshine framed by restraint.

Sparkling St. Laurent 2023

The 2023 Sparkling St. Laurent comes from Ricci Vineyard on the Sonoma side of Carneros, only a few miles from San Pablo Bay. The site features Haire clay loam soils and benefits from fog and coastal winds that define Carneros.

The fruit was hand harvested, destemmed, and macerated briefly before a gentle sparkling press cycle. Fermentation began spontaneously in stainless steel and continued in bottle while still slightly sweet. After 12 months on tirage, the wine was riddled and disgorged without additions. It finishes dry at 11.0% alcohol with 5.5 bar pressure.

Light pink in color, it shows watermelon, crushed raspberries, and strawberry ice cream on the nose. On the palate, vibrant bubbles carry lemon, kumquat, and tangerine wrapped in a chalky meringue texture. It is joyful, precise, and incredibly easy to drink.

A Journey Through California AVAs

From Mendocino’s rugged vineyards and Napa Valley structure in Monkey Jacket, to Carneros’ fog cooled soils for the Sparkling St. Laurent, and the diverse cool climate sites behind Tradition Rosé, this set reflects the geographic diversity of California’s AVA system. Coastal influence, soil composition, vine age, and minimal intervention winemaking shape each expression.

Our americanwine.club wine box – keep it forever or regift it! 

California Love Story is delivered in a sustainably crafted wooden box made from fir and poplar plywood. The box is produced in Switzerland by a social enterprise that integrates people with disabilities into the workforce. Sustainability is therefore present both inside the bottle and in the packaging itself.

Three wines. Three AVAs. One philosophy rooted in energy, balance, and authenticity.

Exclusively curated for americanwine.club.