Cruse "Tradition" NV

This sparkling white blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir comes from three different vineyards: Rorick in Sierra Foothills, Rita’s Crown in coastal Santa Barbara, and Alder Springs in cool Mendocino. Approximately 30% of the wine is the reserve perpetual cuvée going back to 2015. After spending two years on the lees, the wine was bottled without any dosage for fresh, bright, attractive aromas of toast, almonds, butter, beeswax, honeysuckle, apples, and lemon. Beautiful.

A faintly warm, golden hued rimmed wine with a fine and persistent mousse. Fresh baked bread intermingle with green pepper, lime zest, and white flowers on the nose. The palate is mineral, slate, with a hint of banana candies and lemon rind pith. There's a density on the palate bolstered by a long finish of flowers and wet stone.