Red Blend 'Monkey Jacket'

Score

91

"Michael Cruse,s 2020 Monkey Jacket is made from a very eclectic blend of Valdigui,, Carignan, Petite Sirah, Tannat, St. Laurent, Pinot Noir and unknown field blend. The wine is fermented in cement vats and raised in a mix of older oak barrels and puncheons. Twenty five percent of the blend is whole cluster. The wine comes in at 12.5 percent octane in 2020 and offers up a bright and complex bouquet of red and black cherries, beetroot, woodsmoke, gentle meaty tones, a hint of cola, lovely spice tones and gentle cedary notes from the older oak. There is a bit of volatile acidity here as well, on both the nose and palate, but it is manageable. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied and juicy at the core, with good focus and grip, moderate tannins and fine length and grip on the well-balanced finish. This takes a bit of time in decanter to properlyblossom and the wine changesdramatically once it has had a chance to stretch its wings. Once it settles in, it is very tasty. "

Score

92

"This wine from the North Coast of California is an interesting blend of Valdiguié, Carignan, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Tannat, and more. It has a punchy nose with a slight herby tinge. The palate is incredibly juicy with bright red berry notes and subtle savory hints throughout."

Score

91

"The 2021 Monkey Jacket is a blend of Valdiguié, Carignan, Petite Sirah, Syrah and other mixed red varieties. It has inviting aromas of blackcurrants, wild berries, forest floor, mushrooms and cinnamon. The light-bodied palate is soft and supple with layer after layer of nuanced fruit and a long, fragrant finish."