Cruse, Alder Springs Tannat, Mendocino County

Good balance, good depth of fruit, versatile food wine. Simple and enjoyable, but not very distinctive.

Maybe a little acidified?

13.0% abv. 16 barrels produced. Fairly light and bright, but with a good focused core of fruit. Sneaky depth. Nothing notable about tannin level, as it's not sticking out in any way but is there if you're looking for it. Acidity is elevated, though I wouldn't know if it has been "acidified" as a previous note suggests. Flavor profile is not very distinctive other than it being kind of "red-fruited". There is some Cali sunshine to this wine, but this …

Really good.

Nice! Savory and structured with purple berries and black fruits on the nose and palate. Interesting wine. Very easy drinking.

Taking the first sip of this wine was like biting into a beautifully ripe cherry the size of a baseball. A very nice wine that carried enough acidity to support the juiciness that was apparent throughout.

Needed about a 30min decant to open up. Earthy and savoury, yet vibrant with dark red fruits. Easy drinking with great acidity.

Looking for the classic pairing of Madiran and cassoulet - but I didn’t have Madiran in the cellar. This was a perfect substitute. Super earthy, slightl herbal/amaro flavor, some dark cherry and plum. Beautiful food wine. Not the tannic beast that tannat can be in Madiran.

Fresh, but not overly interesting. Easy to down for sure.

One does not typically expect Tannat to be an easy-going grape. It often has awkward tension, like it's trying really hard to impress, but over-exerts itself; it's often just too tannic and extracted. Unlike Pinot maybe, which can so often have an effortless quality. This Tannat however... what a beautiful and graceful presence. It impresses with ease and levity, but still retains Tannat typicity in it's aromas and flavors. Notes of dark cherry, dark plum, blackberry, herbs, grape stems, and …

This is a lovely wine that is highly recommended!