2023 Cruse Wine Co., Sierra Foothills, Rorick Vineyard Chardonnay

The 2023 Cruse Wine Co. Rorick Vineyard Chardonnay exemplifies Michael Cruse's commitment to expressive, terroir-driven California wines. This distinctive Chardonnay originates from the high-elevation Rorick Heritage Vineyard in the Sierra Foothills, renowned for its rare schist and limestone soils and old, own-rooted vines planted in the late sixties. The cool 2023 growing season, characterized by plentiful winter rains and moderate temperatures, fostered a prolonged ripening period, imbuing the wine with vibrant acidity and remarkable balance. Cruse's minimal intervention winemaking, featuring spontaneous fermentation and neutral oak aging, masterfully captures the unique essence of this challenging site. The resulting wine is a compelling representation of its origin, showcasing both the vineyard's distinct minerality and the producer's refined craft.