Cruse Tradition (2022 Base)

The new release is based on the 2022 vintage, includes about a third of our perpetual cuvée reserve wine, which stretches back to 2015. It's the first vintage of Tradition that is Pinot Noir based, making up 57% of the blend, Chardonnay making up the remainder. On the nose, there's a strong beeswax, straw, and dry earth -- California Coastal Live Oak in the summer, with a bit of confectionery sugar on top. But this wine shines on the palate. The texture is rich and weighty, slightly savory and oxidative, but with an extremely well-integrated mousse. The finish is long and surprising.