This lovely wine is a tribute to the Santa Lucia Highlands, featuring both the earthy and fruit flavors that this region is so well known for. It opens with dark cherry, plum, and raspberry, with a beautifully balanced structure. It finishes with a hint of vanilla and clove on the long finish.
The well-balanced earth and fruit in this wine make it ideal for pairing with foods with layers of flavors. Enjoy with grilled pork tenderloin, roast turkey, creamy mushroom pasta, or BBQ ribs.
Vineyard
The 2021 CRŪ Winery SLH Pinot Noir was sourced from the Smith & Lindley vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands. The vineyard is strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean with foggy mornings and cool windy afternoons that provide a long, cool growing season ideal for Pinot Noir.
Specs
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands
Aging Process: 10 Months French Oak
Total Acid: 6.4 g/l
RS: .4 g/l
pH: 3.67
Finished Alcohol: 14.1%
What’s Included
6-bottles:
6x 2021 CRŪ SLH Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands Case:
12x 2021 CRŪ SLH Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands
Family-owned for 22 years, and deeply rooted in family & friends, CRŪ Winery sources fruit from some of the finest vineyards throughout the Central Coast of California. With a focus on Burgundian and Rhone varietals such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & Syrah - which are best suited to this region - we craft wines for quality everyday drinking.
Our winemaker, Jose Reyes has been an essential member of the CRŪ team for over 15 years. Jose began making wine 30 years ago under the direction of the winemaking team at the historic Bargetto Winery in Santa Cruz, California, and has grown to be an expert of great terroirs of the Central Coast, as evidenced by over 40 ratings of 90-or-above over the last 5 vintages.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Always nice to receive a surprise bottle, and the weather was nice for a Pinot Noir.
On PnP: Can’t comment on the color as I am a bit color blind – but a lightish red with nice clarity, Light floral notes on the nose, along with dark berries and plums. Very pleasant on the tongue, with light, smooth tannins. Perhaps a bit of blueberry?
Went quite splendidly with Triscuits and brie, or quite nicely on its own.
Looking at the price, I’m sorely tempted to make room for another everyday sipper…
Hi Casemates Community,
I’m Matt with CRU Winery. Thanks for taking a look at our Pinot Noir. This is a beautifully elegant Pinot that showcases the vaunted Santa Lucia Highlands AVA in Monterey County. Classic style red fruit finesse with excellent savory depth, and fine texture. Totally outdrinking its price point. I look forward to answering any questions you may have about CRU Winery and our SLH Pinot Noir. Cheers!
@CRUWineryMatt@kaolis thanks for checking in! I’m curious why this bottling wasn’t labeled with the vineyard name if its fruit is single vineyard? Also, why the low msrp price for a single vineyard Pinot? Are there levels of fruit quality where top tier is bottled at a higher price and second tier fruit bottled under a different name:brand? Thank you
Hi, great question. Smith & Lindley is a larger site (relatively, for SLH) spanning the entire slope, and sitting at about the midpoint of the SLH AVA. Its most select, lowest yielding, and highest elevation blocks we bottle under a Sarmento Vineyard designation (an historic name for the higher elevated blocks of the larger S&L vineyard). Because our SLH is picked from a broader assortment of blocks, some higher yielding and farmed (all certified sustainable) to suit a higher production bottling, and we’re able to make about 5000 cases from our fruit there, we feature the SLH designation (while also honoring the vineyard) as we see this bottling more as an emblematic representation of Santa Lucia Highlands than a single site expression.
All that said, a little more about the wine - we’re fermenting in 1-ton bins, punched down by hand, Dijon and Pommard clone (fermented and aged separately), aging in all French oak barrels (25% new) from a variety of coopers - Billon, Nevers, Ramon Allier, Ramon Nevers, Sirgue, Mercury, Francois Freres and Radoux. So you’re getting handcrafted wine made with great care from an emblematic site giving a great overview of SLH. At the SRP of $25 it’s an exceptional value. At the Casemates price it’s amazing!
@kaolis Smith & Lindley Vineyard is not CRU Winery’s vineyard, so not Estate. The Smith Family, one of the founders of the SLH AVA, owns and farms the vineyard.
We work very closely with the Smiths. Our tasting room in SLH is at their former Paraiso Winery facility, and all of our Monterey County fruit comes from their vineyards. At Smith & Lindley and any vineyard that we work with, we’re working with specific blocks and rows solely for CRU.
@CRUWineryMatt you guys did a great job with this wine. I thought it was a good value at retail, hard to beat. This casemates opportunity is a no-brainer. Thank you for making this great wine available. Greatly appreciated.
That WE review:
90 points. A lighter hue in the glass, this bottling hits the nose with leathery aromas as well as toasted sage and red fruit. The palate is more subtle, showing a core of cranberry dusted in rustic herbs. — Matt Kettmann 10/1/24
“Huckleberry, fresh thyme, savory notes, Nice acid, mouthwatering.” - Gold, Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge
Wine Review Online:
93 points. CRU recently moved into this site – the former Paraiso Springs – and is off to the races with the estate fruit. The tart, fresh side of Pinot Noir gets the nod here, with brushy dry earth notes alongside strawberry and tart cherry fruit. There is some oak that’s still folding in here, but a couple of years in your cellar will smooth the edges and evolve this into a real beauty. This is a nicely realized Pinot Noir with a sense of place. Rich Cook 4/5/23
Apparently, The Wine Independent bestowed 90 points with a comment of drink 2024 -2028 in Feb '24
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2021 CRŪ Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir - $30 = 16.66%
This PN pours a deep ruby, and has great clarity. I recently upgraded to Gabriel glasses (sorry to my casemates glasses), and i could pick up the nose from a few feet away. Some classic California notes, I was getting black cherry for sure, red jolly ranchers, and some rhubarb. Smelled very fruity but not flabby.
Tasting gave me similar notes, Cherry and dark fruit up front, some pencil lead (stone?), and the finish totally made me think of rhubarb pie. Maybe some vanilla from the oak aging. Decent acidity, my mouth was definitely watering, and a solid 10+ second finish.
Seems like a great chance to add a solid PN to your collection. I like how it’s drinking if you’re looking for something to drink now.
2021 Pinot Noir (Smith & Lindley Vineyard) by CRU (@cruwinery), Santa Lucia Highlands
Bright, almost iridescent ruby color. Out of the bottle, dusty hay, strawberries, cranberries and red cherries. As it settles, a cola emerges from the background.
Body is feather-light, well balanced from front to back. It greets with a silky soft, slightly viscous mouth feel. Strawberry, and cherries carry over. The cola is more pronounced but every note is more of a suggestion. Mid body, a subtle crisp refined caramel punctuates. It’s reminiscent of neutral French oak. This signals the transition to finish as the body pulls a sudden vanishing act, leaving behind cola, hints of licorice, subtle spice warmth and dry if not waxy lips.
This Pinot Noir is true. This is how I remember SLH. It is clean, complex, nuanced, well executed and at this price point it should be hard to beat. I really appreciate it a winemaker makes a readily accessible wine of this caliber. Wines like this truly represent the democratization of good wine.
I just tried to use my 2nd coupon from my purchase of 2 mystery cases and it wouldn’t work. Code is same on both coupon. Anyone else had this problem? If so, who do I contact?
@dawnlac
I had the same issue (2x $30 same code) and contacted support. They said the code I had was one time use and gave me a 2-time use $20 code instead. I guess I end up ahead $70 vs $60, but only because I’ll use all the codes eventually.
2021 CRŪ SLH Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands
90 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Tasting Notes
Vineyard
Specs
What’s Included
6-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$300/Case for 12x 2021 CRŪ SLH Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands at CRŪ Winery
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Aug 25 - Tuesday, Aug 26
2021 CRŪ Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
6 bottles for $89.99 $15/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $149.99 $12.50/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Always nice to receive a surprise bottle, and the weather was nice for a Pinot Noir.
On PnP: Can’t comment on the color as I am a bit color blind – but a lightish red with nice clarity, Light floral notes on the nose, along with dark berries and plums. Very pleasant on the tongue, with light, smooth tannins. Perhaps a bit of blueberry?
Went quite splendidly with Triscuits and brie, or quite nicely on its own.
Looking at the price, I’m sorely tempted to make room for another everyday sipper…
Hi Casemates Community,
I’m Matt with CRU Winery. Thanks for taking a look at our Pinot Noir. This is a beautifully elegant Pinot that showcases the vaunted Santa Lucia Highlands AVA in Monterey County. Classic style red fruit finesse with excellent savory depth, and fine texture. Totally outdrinking its price point. I look forward to answering any questions you may have about CRU Winery and our SLH Pinot Noir. Cheers!
@CRUWineryMatt Good day! So, single vineyard estate fruit?
@kaolis Yes, from multiple blocks of Smith & Lindley Vineyard.
@CRUWineryMatt @kaolis thanks for checking in! I’m curious why this bottling wasn’t labeled with the vineyard name if its fruit is single vineyard? Also, why the low msrp price for a single vineyard Pinot? Are there levels of fruit quality where top tier is bottled at a higher price and second tier fruit bottled under a different name:brand? Thank you
@CRUWineryMatt @kaolis @losthighwayz it does actually say the vineyard name on the label, right near the vintage.
@kaolis @losthighwayz
Hi, great question. Smith & Lindley is a larger site (relatively, for SLH) spanning the entire slope, and sitting at about the midpoint of the SLH AVA. Its most select, lowest yielding, and highest elevation blocks we bottle under a Sarmento Vineyard designation (an historic name for the higher elevated blocks of the larger S&L vineyard). Because our SLH is picked from a broader assortment of blocks, some higher yielding and farmed (all certified sustainable) to suit a higher production bottling, and we’re able to make about 5000 cases from our fruit there, we feature the SLH designation (while also honoring the vineyard) as we see this bottling more as an emblematic representation of Santa Lucia Highlands than a single site expression.
All that said, a little more about the wine - we’re fermenting in 1-ton bins, punched down by hand, Dijon and Pommard clone (fermented and aged separately), aging in all French oak barrels (25% new) from a variety of coopers - Billon, Nevers, Ramon Allier, Ramon Nevers, Sirgue, Mercury, Francois Freres and Radoux. So you’re getting handcrafted wine made with great care from an emblematic site giving a great overview of SLH. At the SRP of $25 it’s an exceptional value. At the Casemates price it’s amazing!
@kaolis Smith & Lindley Vineyard is not CRU Winery’s vineyard, so not Estate. The Smith Family, one of the founders of the SLH AVA, owns and farms the vineyard.
We work very closely with the Smiths. Our tasting room in SLH is at their former Paraiso Winery facility, and all of our Monterey County fruit comes from their vineyards. At Smith & Lindley and any vineyard that we work with, we’re working with specific blocks and rows solely for CRU.
@CRUWineryMatt any stem inclusion?
@losthighwayz Minimal stem inclusion, <5%.
@CRUWineryMatt you guys did a great job with this wine. I thought it was a good value at retail, hard to beat. This casemates opportunity is a no-brainer. Thank you for making this great wine available. Greatly appreciated.
That WE review:
90 points. A lighter hue in the glass, this bottling hits the nose with leathery aromas as well as toasted sage and red fruit. The palate is more subtle, showing a core of cranberry dusted in rustic herbs. — Matt Kettmann 10/1/24
“Huckleberry, fresh thyme, savory notes, Nice acid, mouthwatering.” - Gold, Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge
Wine Review Online:
93 points. CRU recently moved into this site – the former Paraiso Springs – and is off to the races with the estate fruit. The tart, fresh side of Pinot Noir gets the nod here, with brushy dry earth notes alongside strawberry and tart cherry fruit. There is some oak that’s still folding in here, but a couple of years in your cellar will smooth the edges and evolve this into a real beauty. This is a nicely realized Pinot Noir with a sense of place. Rich Cook 4/5/23
Apparently, The Wine Independent bestowed 90 points with a comment of drink 2024 -2028 in Feb '24
fwiw
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2021 CRŪ Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir - $30 = 16.66%
I’m your other lab rat!
This PN pours a deep ruby, and has great clarity. I recently upgraded to Gabriel glasses (sorry to my casemates glasses), and i could pick up the nose from a few feet away. Some classic California notes, I was getting black cherry for sure, red jolly ranchers, and some rhubarb. Smelled very fruity but not flabby.
Tasting gave me similar notes, Cherry and dark fruit up front, some pencil lead (stone?), and the finish totally made me think of rhubarb pie. Maybe some vanilla from the oak aging. Decent acidity, my mouth was definitely watering, and a solid 10+ second finish.
Seems like a great chance to add a solid PN to your collection. I like how it’s drinking if you’re looking for something to drink now.
@CruelMelody
Sounds yummy!
@CruelMelody would you say this is a masculine or feminine Pinot? Is it light and bright or a bit darker within the Pinot spectrum? Thx
@losthighwayz leans more masculine
Oh that’s an automatic case buy!
turquoise-angelic-kitten
@winesnob That makes me take note of this offering. I’m guessing you’ve been to their winery.
@mrn1 sadly I have not yet made it to the winery. I would very much like to. Everything I’ve had of theirs is solid.
I reviewed this vintage a while back and very much enjoyed it. For this price, it’s a no-brainer. Here are my tasting notes:
Tasting Notes on Instagram
2021 Pinot Noir (Smith & Lindley Vineyard) by CRU (@cruwinery), Santa Lucia Highlands
Bright, almost iridescent ruby color. Out of the bottle, dusty hay, strawberries, cranberries and red cherries. As it settles, a cola emerges from the background.
Body is feather-light, well balanced from front to back. It greets with a silky soft, slightly viscous mouth feel. Strawberry, and cherries carry over. The cola is more pronounced but every note is more of a suggestion. Mid body, a subtle crisp refined caramel punctuates. It’s reminiscent of neutral French oak. This signals the transition to finish as the body pulls a sudden vanishing act, leaving behind cola, hints of licorice, subtle spice warmth and dry if not waxy lips.
This Pinot Noir is true. This is how I remember SLH. It is clean, complex, nuanced, well executed and at this price point it should be hard to beat. I really appreciate it a winemaker makes a readily accessible wine of this caliber. Wines like this truly represent the democratization of good wine.
Nicely done folks!
Cheers!
Anyone want to share a case -Boston/So. NH Area?
I just tried to use my 2nd coupon from my purchase of 2 mystery cases and it wouldn’t work. Code is same on both coupon. Anyone else had this problem? If so, who do I contact?
@dawnlac
/image Highlander meme there can only be one
@dawnlac
I had the same issue (2x $30 same code) and contacted support. They said the code I had was one time use and gave me a 2-time use $20 code instead. I guess I end up ahead $70 vs $60, but only because I’ll use all the codes eventually.
@bsartist618 Thank you! Sent a message to support
/giphy putrid-awake-koala
@ttboy23 Go Buzz, Go!
Looking forward to this purchase.
greedy-masterful-trick
In for a six pack based on rats and winery participation.
/giphy roomy-versed-carp
@losthighwayz nice giphy
In for a penny in for a
/giphy prudent-uncanny-frankenstein