Cruse Wine Company, Red Blend Monkey Jacket North Coast, 2022
Michael Cruse has built a reputation for crafting some of California’s most exciting and unconventional wines, and Monkey Jacket is his ode to the overlooked potential of the North Coast. Rather than chasing high-alcohol power, Cruse focuses on freshness and drinkability, blending Valdiguié with heritage varieties like Carignan, Syrah, and Tannat. The result is a red that’s playful yet complex, offering a throwback to the lighter, bistro-style wines of old California.
Bright cranberry, wild strawberry, and black cherry form the backbone, lifted by floral notes and a hint of white pepper. The palate is juicy but structured, with a core of zippy acidity and fine-grained tannins that keep everything in balance. Unlike the bigger, oakier blends of Napa and Sonoma, Monkey Jacket leans into its natural energy—delicious slightly chilled, effortlessly drinkable, yet serious enough to intrigue.
A perfect match for roast chicken, grilled sausages, or even a simple burger, this is a red built for versatility and fun. Pop it open now and enjoy its youthful vibrancy, or hold for a few years to see how its layers unfold.
Original: $24.99
-65%$24.99
$8.75Product Information
Product Information
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Description
Michael Cruse has built a reputation for crafting some of California’s most exciting and unconventional wines, and Monkey Jacket is his ode to the overlooked potential of the North Coast. Rather than chasing high-alcohol power, Cruse focuses on freshness and drinkability, blending Valdiguié with heritage varieties like Carignan, Syrah, and Tannat. The result is a red that’s playful yet complex, offering a throwback to the lighter, bistro-style wines of old California.
Bright cranberry, wild strawberry, and black cherry form the backbone, lifted by floral notes and a hint of white pepper. The palate is juicy but structured, with a core of zippy acidity and fine-grained tannins that keep everything in balance. Unlike the bigger, oakier blends of Napa and Sonoma, Monkey Jacket leans into its natural energy—delicious slightly chilled, effortlessly drinkable, yet serious enough to intrigue.
A perfect match for roast chicken, grilled sausages, or even a simple burger, this is a red built for versatility and fun. Pop it open now and enjoy its youthful vibrancy, or hold for a few years to see how its layers unfold.
