MONKEY JACKET 2017
CRUSE WINE CO.
Monkey Jacket is a full-flavoured, expressive, Rhone-style red from Michael Cruse - one of California's most acclaimed winemakers. Cruse makes his wines in an unashamedly old-fashioned style, designing them to be enjoyed with simple, wholesome food.
- Ripe aromas of dark fruits, spices, and smoky leather.
- Full-flavoured and expansive, with supple texture and a long, earthy finish.
- Just 2,500 bottles are produced each year.
- Drink up to 5 years after release.
- Match with wild boar ragu, lamb rogan josh, or vegetarian chilli.
Meet the maker
Cruse Wine Co.
"Born in San Francisco, Michael Cruse calls himself a “gold star Californian.” Aged 10 he moved to Petaluma and later studied biochemistry at UC Berkeley. After attending a wine science lecture by Terry Leighton, ...
Learn moreExpert review
“Fun and well melded. No single element jumps out. Really well made, considering the ragbag of ingredients. Michael Cruse is a bit of a genius. Lighter than Bedrock’s Shebang but just as interesting. Quite a bit of grip on the end. Needs food. Drink 2019 – 2022”
“Michael Cruse’s 2017 Monkey Jacket, a Valdiguié/Petite Sirah/Carignan and mixed blacks blend, is dark, racy and absolutely gorgeous. Black cherry, plum, spice and leather notes race out of the glass in this pliant, super-expressive red.”
“40% Valdigue, Carignan, Petite Syrah plus a red field blend. 75% was made in concrete, the rest aged in a mix of old barrels and concrete. Part whole bunch. Mid crimson. This is a brightly-fruited blend of old-vine fruit, mainly from Mendocino. It's certainly fun, and refreshing, to drink.”
More details
- Product code
- 13CRMJ17
- Wine type
- Red
- Bottle size
- 75cl
- Origin
- U.S.A. > California
- Producer
- Cruse Wine Co.
- Vintage
- 2017
- Grape varieties
- Carignan, Tannat, Valdiguié
- Production
- conventional
- Other vintages
- 2018