I forgot to share with you the delicious thing I sipped while ringing in the new year! It was the 2010 Ultramarine Heintz Vineyard Blanc de Blancs from Michael Cruse of Petaluma’s Cruse Wine Co. It ain’t cheap (around $50) but it’s really good and a hell of a lot better than a lot of actual Champagnes out there at that price point. I’ve never been too enchanted by California traditional method sparklers, but then there was this. 100% Chardonnay from Sonoma’s Heitz vineyard (an awesome site for the grape), it displayed a beautiful balance of toasty depth and mouth-watering brightness. I only wish I had another bottle to age for a bit to see where time can take it. I think it might be one of my favorite bottles of last year and I’m not alone – it was named one of SF Chronicles Top 100 Wines of 2014. Michael Cruse is someone to definitely keep your eye on.
Join the Ultramarine mailing list to get your hands on some of this fine juice. And read this more in-depth profile of Michael and his work by the one and only Hawk Wakawaka.
January 26, 2015
Thanks for the recommendation. I have not been very impressed with the champagne in this price range so definitely wil try to find this in my area.
May 4, 2016
where can you buy this wine? thank you~
May 4, 2016
it’s highly allocated. domaine LA in los angeles had 6 bottles a month or so ago but those might be long gone. you could always contact the winemaker directly! http://www.crusewineco.com/contact/