The NV Cruse Wine Company Tradition Sparkling Wine from California is a proprietary blend that offers a distinct and dynamic tasting experience. This non-vintage sparkling wine, produced by Cruse Wine Co., is composed primarily of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, sourced from several esteemed vineyards including Rorick Heritage Vineyard in the Sierra Foothills, Alder Springs in Mendocino, Keefer Ranch and Heintz in the Russian River Valley, and Linda Vista Vineyard in Napa’s Oak Knoll area.

The production process is meticulous, with the wine undergoing native and malolactic fermentation in barrels and wooden tanks, and no sulfur added during élevage. The wine is tirage bottled without fining or filtering, and after an 18-month period, it is riddled and disgorged à la volée with zero dosage and no sulfur.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the wine a score of 93, noting its "tangy and wild" nose with "notes of burnt lemon peel and freshly baked bread." The review highlights its "alluringly creamy texture" and praises the balance of "tangy acidity" and a "long, electric finish" (Reviewer: EB; Date: 7/6/2023).

Similarly, Decanter also rated it 93, describing it as "deep lemon-gold, with very fine beads." The tasting notes emphasize a "wealth of toasted nuts aromas and fresh-cut hay," with a palate described as "wild and savage" and a "creamy brininess." The review further elaborates on its complex layers, "redolent of bruised red berries, bacon fat, dried herbs, and crushed almonds," calling it "mystifying for its elegance and outlying, perplexing savoury qualities" (Date: 3/31/2023).

Vinous provided a slightly more reserved score of 90, but still noted the wine's "aromatic and light" nature. The review mentions a "bit of stem influence from the whole clusters in the Pinot component," which is more prominent due to recent disgorgement and no dosage. The reviewer suggests that "perhaps time will help" in balancing these green qualities (Reviewer: Antonio Galloni; Date: 1/16/2024).

Overall, the NV Cruse Wine Company Tradition Sparkling Wine is a well-regarded and intricately crafted wine that showcases the diverse qualities of its varietals and terroirs, earning high praise for its unique and complex profile.