Cru Pinot Noir Vineyard Montage Santa Lucia Highlands 2014
We. DID. IT!!!
This wine, this luscious pinot, this jaw-flopping-on-the-floor, stunned amazement, deliriously impossible uber-deal of a lifetime was our second greatest, fastest-selling, most-re-requested wine EVER, just behind Head High from 2018, in almost 9 years of our existence. And we just made another deal --- don’t miss it again, this is the last of it for sure.
If you know, you know, you’ll already be sipping your coffee, content that you have another case coming. If not…..WHY is this so in demand? Well, it’s outrageously priced, of course, one of our best scores ever, with a tear-into-me-with-utter-abandon screw top, this is the warm, happy-making, easy-drinking red of the year! PLEASE move quick -- there’s not NEARLY enough for everyone on our email list! $11!! A “case me” wine if we EVER had one!
The 2014 CRU Vineyard Montage Pinot Noir was sourced primarily from the marine-influenced Sarmento Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands -- basically pinot and chardonnay paradise. This wine has only gotten better and better since last year. The minute you get that top cracked it is ON! Hyper-friendly, flowingly silky texture, titillating whiffs of cherry juice, cola, and cedar...then you pour a glass and BOOOOM it keeps on rocking. In your mouth those flavors carry, with a light-on-its-feet texture that adds some spices, cranberry and sweet herbs on the finish. As noted --- DANGEROUSLY DRINKABLE! But priced to not care less!
*** Personal note: Bruce, who is my bocce team captain, told me last summer it was the single stupidest QPR deal he ever bought (and this guy is a born and raised Napa wine dude).
If you are all about absurdly crowd-pleasing pinot noir, this will have to serve as your last warning --- just an incredible deal we made here!! Got friends who love a screaming pinot deal? Use the referral code and get your credits!! OK, enough said! While it lasts…!
The final blend was aged in 20% new French Oak barrels composed of Damy and Billon with both medium and medium+ toast levels for 9 months. This aging process creates a nose of freshly picked cherries, cedar and earth. The complexity of multiple clones and elevations shows flavors of blueberry, pomegranate, cranberry and infused tea that is nicely balanced with hints of toasted oak. This showcase wine is a true homage to classic Burgundian pinot noirs.
Technical Details
Country: United StatesRegion: California
Appellation: Central Coast
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Sourced primarily from the marine-influenced Sarmento Vineyard
Aging/Cooperage: 9 Months French Oak, 20% New Barrels
Alcohol: 14.5%
PH: 3.66
TA: 6.6g/100mLs
About The Producer
CRU is the story of an accidental winery, an endeavor shared by long-time friends and entrepreneurs Richard Spencer and Mike Conway. In 2003, they purchased several wine-making assets, invested in the refurbishment of an abandoned processing facility in Madera, CA, began to source grapes from some of California’s finest appellations, and CRU was born. CRU, a French term traditionally translated as “growth” and generally used to identify a prestigious vineyard or group of vineyards, has come to embody the spirit of this company well beyond what was originally planned.
Though Richard and Mike continue to own and operate several businesses in the Central Valley, their commitment to the growth and development of CRU has never wavered. Fifteen years into the wine business, the winery enjoys a beautifully renovated tasting room, a wonderful outdoor facility used for monthly wine club, tasting events and concerts, and is proud to boast some of California’s most decorated wines. CRU has a come a long way since its inception and even with its long list awards and accolades believes the best is yet to come.
Pairing Suggestions
Roasted duck
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