Cruse Wine Company was founded in 2013 by former biochemist Michael Cruse. With his eponymous wine company, Michael has set out to craft uniquely California wines with a focus on experimenting with sparkling wine production. He garnered his first experience with sparklers when he co-founded Ultramarine in 2008 where he used sparkling wine to examine the impact of the soils and site of the Sonoma Coast. Michael was named the San Francisco Chronicle’s Winemaker of the Year in 2016. At Cruse, he continues to produce wines with minimal technique and intervention using his resultant wines as a window to examine terroir.

Cruse's Chardonnay is sourced from the schisty-limestone soils of Rorick Heritage Vineyard in Calaveras County, just outside of the town of Murphys. Light gold in color, the nose possesses alluring aromas of orchard and citrus fruits mixed with hints of white flowers and sweet cream. The medium-bodied palate is loaded with flavors of ripe pear, apricot and tangerine, incorporated seamlessly with a lovely, wet stone minerality. This Chardonnay displays beautiful weight and roundness which is balanced perfectly by its vibrant, mouthwatering acidity. The finish is pleasant and mineral-laced. Pair with baked oysters, lobster mac & cheese or roasted chicken legs with scalloped potatoes.