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CRU WINES
Cru, a French term identifies prestigious vineyards and the wines made from them, embodying the classification of
select vineyard sites and their unique indigenous style.
After nearly 20 years crafting premium artisan style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Winemaker Michael Leven understands the
intricacies involved in attaining this rare level of elevated distinction. Michael knows where the best vineyards are located, which blocks produce the most optimal fruit and has relationships with the farmers that tend them. Focusing on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir exclusively CRU represents a marriage of site typicity and winemaking skill that elevates our wine to a level of Artistry not commonly found.
Focusing on Monterey County and other premium cool climate appellations, Michael is particularly fond of the superior quality fruit found in California's coastal regions. Perfect for growing premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the temperate marine influenced climate of the upper Salinas Valley provides ideal conditions for these cool-weather varieties, and is the backbone of the CRU portfolio.
Current CRU Vineyard Sites:
Redding Ranch
Located on an escarpment just south of Greenfield, this Chardonnay vineyard is more influenced by the afternoon winds of the Salinas Valley than any other site from which CrU wines are crafted. The cooling effect of the wind makes Redding a relatively temperate site for its southerly location. We select our grapes from the middle rows (out of the wind) of the rear block (Dijon Clone 96) for their balanced acidity and superior pineapple and kiwi flavors.
Chualar Canyon
This is the most northerly vineyard in the Salinas Valley, and therefore one of the coolest spots still suitable for ripening Burgundian varietals. Our Pinot Noir comes from the newer, upper section of the vineyard and we select fruit from the sub-blocks planted to Clones 667 and Pommard 4. The vineyard produces bright red cherry fruit with balanced acidity, yielding a classic styled Pinot Noir.
Vigna de Monte Nero
Adjacent to many of the more famed vineyards of the Santa Lucia Highlands (Mer Soleil, Sleepy Hollow, Rosella's, Double L) Vigna de Monte Nero produces Chardonnay with bright fruit flavors and acidity. Pinot Noir fruit is characterized by understated elegance and balance. Our Chardonnay is planted to Clone 4 and the Pinot Noir is a combination of Dijon Clones 667, 777 and 115.
