La Crema Winery

Articles About La Crema Winery

Reviewed Wines

2017 La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.53, $25. Aged 9 months in barrel. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Presents well on the nose with aromas of spiced cherry, rose petal and Herbs de Provence. Mid weight in style, with flavors of dark red cherry and berry. Appealing tension and balance with a short finish. Solid but not exciting. Score: 89. Reviewed October 26, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 La Crema Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.5% alc., pH 3.37, TA 0.58, $30. Gently whole-cluster pressed, barrel fermented in 33% new French oak barrels with occasional lees stirring, and aged 10 months. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. A flamboyant wine with aromas of pineapple, yellow apple and buttery croissant. On the palate there is a rich display of well-ripened citrus and honey flavors with a delicate backing of toasty oak. Soothing in texture with integrated alcohol. Score: 91. Reviewed July 20, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.52, >100,000 cases, $23, Diam closure. 3-day cold soak, no post-fermentation maceration. Aged 9 months in French oak barrels, 21% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of cherry, sandalwood and fertile earth. Forward-drinking style, offering satisfying flavors of black cherry, dark red raspberry and the slightest hint of oak. Soft tannins make for easy drinking and the modest finish is just good enough. Score: 89. Reviewed June 29, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.69, TA 0.54, <100,000 cases, $25, Diam closure. Sourced from multiple vineyards in the Sonoma Coast AVA.Clones 23, 37, 115, 667, 777, “828,” Pommard, Calera, Swan and Martini. 100% de-stemmed with 70% whole berries in tank. 3-day cold soak, fermented primarily in open-top tanks. Aged 9 months in 97% French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Reserved aromas of dark berries and barrel room. Rich and bold in a mid weight plus style, offering an array of purple and black fruit flavors. Oak contributes flavors of black licorice and toast. There is an assertive tannic backbone creating some astringency on the finish. Highly fruit-driven and one-dimensional, but still manages to offer some redemptive vibrancy. Certainly, no sense of place in this wine. Score: 88. Reviewed June 29, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 La Crema Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.5% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.58, 15, 138 cases, $30, Diam closure. Grapes sourced from ten vineyards spread across the Russian River Valley AVA and sub-AVA of Chalk Hill. Clones were 4, 76, 95, 96 and 809. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented, and aged for 9 months with lees stirring 1-2 times per month. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon zest, white peach warm brioche and toast lead off. A riper, luscious style featuring flavors of lemon, pineapple and honey. Slightly creamy in the mouth in a lower acid-driven style that seduces with richness and ripeness. Oak is involved but is not overbearing. Score: 90. Reviewed June 29, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 La Crema Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.61, $40. Sourced from 9 grower and estate vineyards across the Russian River Valley, Chalk Hill and Green Valley AVAs. Estate vineyards include Barbieri, Bellflower, Bones Road, Olivet, Piner and Ross Road. Clones 777, 115, 667, Pommard, “828,” 114, 23 and 2A. 100% de-stemmed, 70% whole berries in tank. 3 to 5-day cold soak, fermented in open-top tanks, no racking until blending prior to bottling. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of blackberry, cassis, and oak-driven spice and toast lead to a full-bodied experience sporting waves of oak-kissed, almost syrupy, black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors. Very ripe fruited with toasty oak suppressing the Russian River Valley footprint. Score: 88. Reviewed July 20, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 La Crema Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.57, 30,086 cases, $30. Sourced from eight vineyards including the estate Gran Moraine Vineyard and Estate Zena Crown Vineyard. 100% destemmed, 3-day cold soak, open-top fermentation, free-run juice sent to French oak barrels, 24% new, where the wine was aged 9 months. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Quite woody on the nose with aromas of vanilla, toast and oak spice dominating the boysenberry fruit. Mid weight plus in heft, with ripe fruit flavors of black cherry, boysenberry and blackberry overlain with considerable oak input (black tea, coffee). Score: 87. Reviewed January 6, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 La Crema Panorama Vineyard Arroyo Seco Monterey County Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.59, 761 cases, $40. Sourced from selected blocks within the estate Panorama Vineyard. 100% de-stemmed, 3 to 5-day cold soak, fermented in open-top tanks, and aged 9 months in French oak barrels, 28% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose is earthbound with added fruit aromas of black cherry and ripe berries and a subtle infusion of Asian spice. An engaging wine with open arms, offering tasty black cherry, boysenberry and plum fruit flavors infused with the right amount of oak spice. Gracious and harmonious, with a noticeably extended finish. Score: 90. Reviewed March 17, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 La Crema Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.76, TA 0.60, 11,850 cases, $40, Sourced from 14 grower and estate vineyards spread across the Russian River Valley. Clones 777, Flowers, Pommard, 2A, 667, “828,” and 23. 100% de-stemmed, 3 to 5-day cold soak, fermented in open-top tanks, and aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 31% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Engaging scents of Bing cherry, baking spices and nut oil. Succulent and sweet dark cherry flavor with accents of spice, toast and anise. Easy to like in a middleweight style with complimentary tannins and an alluring cherry cola finish. Impressive quality at this scale of production. Score: 89. Reviewed March 17, 2018 ARTICLE »

2014 La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.50, >50,000 cases, $23. 3-day cold soak, punch downs three times a day during fermentation with no postfermentation maceration. Aged 8 months in French oak barrels, 17% new. Racked once out of barrel at time of blending just before bottling. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Striking aromas of Bing cherry, cola and spicy oak hold up in the glass over time. Deliciously fruited core of cherry, strawberry and cranberry flavors enhanced by a touch of oak spice and nutmeg. Crisp and juicy, with milky tannins and a silky mouthfeel. A thorough enjoyable offering perfect as a daily table wine. A most outstanding value priced Pinot Noir and amazing quality considering the huge production. Score: 90. Reviewed June 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.54, $25. 100% de-stemmed, 70% whole berries in tank, 3-day cold soak, free run juice aged 8 months in 100% French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Aromas and flavors put cherry front and center in this light to mid weight styled wine with added accents of baking spices, cola, charred oak and vitamin. The tannins are soft in this very approachable wine, but the oak plays too big a role in overshadowing the rather delicate fruit core. I am a big fan of La Crema wines as they represent very good value, but this is not one of my favorites. Score: 87. Reviewed August 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 La Crema Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 24,511 cases, pH 3.66, TA 0.60, $30. 98% estate fruit from eight vineyards. 100% de-stemmed, 3-day cold soak, fermented in opentop tanks, aged 9 months in French oak barrels, 23% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Fruit aromas of black cherry and black raspberry are complimented by aromas of savory herbs and toasty oak, with the oak showing up more over time in the glass. Middleweight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and blackberry are underlain with subtle smoky oak. Good intensity of flavor, integrated ripe tannins, and a juicy finish driven by bracing acidity. Score: 90. Reviewed October 19, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 La Crema Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.57, 10,146 cases, $40. Sourced from 14 grower and estate vineyards spread across the Russian River Valley AVA including the sub-AVAs of Chalk Hill and Green Valley. Clones 777, Flowers, Pommard, Wädenswil 2A, 667, “828,” and 23. 100% destemmed with 70% whole berries in the tank. 3 to 5-day cold soak, fermented in open top tanks. Aged in French oak barrels, 38% new. No racking out of barrels until blending before bottling. · Moderate cherry red color in the glass. Welcoming aromas of cherry and baking spices. A streamlined style that is both sleek and suave, with discreetly weighted flavors of cherry and red plum. The tannins are well integrated, the oak adds the right amount of seasoning, and the delightful finish is blessed with a generous presence of juice cherry fruit. Score: 91. Reviewed October 2, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.53, $25. Fruit for this wine came from cool estate and grower vineyard sites within 30 miles of the Pacific Ocean. 100% de-stemmed, 3-day cold soak, basket pressed, fermentation in open-top tanks, punch downs three times a day during fermentation, minimal post-fermentation maceration. Aged 7.5 months in 100% French oak barrels, 21% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. A rather savory nose with aromas of spiced plum, black cherry and forest floor. Light to mid weight flavors of cherry, and oak-driven black tea and anise, framed by suave tannins. Pleasant, but rather shallow in this vintage with a thin finish. Score: 86. Reviewed April 20, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 La Crema Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.56, 17,916 cases, $30. 3- day cold soak, open-tank fermentations with hand punch downs three times a day. Aged 9 months in 100% French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. An integrated marriage of cherry and oak aromas arrive on the nose. Impressive entry and mid palate attack of fresh, spiced red cherry and red raspberry fruits with complimentary oak in the background. Soft tannins, balanced acidity, and a pleasing, intensely fruit citrus-fueled finish complete the picture. Score: 89. Reviewed November 5, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 La Crema Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.55, $40. A blend of grapes from 14 different properties including several estate-owned vineyards. Aged for 9 months in 100% French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas and flavors veer to the very ripe side featuring black cherry, blackberry and Damsel plum fruits with a hint of cola. Quite sappy, with some tannin showing up on the slightly warm finish. Score: 88. Reviewed July 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.54, >50,000 cases, $23. Aged 6 months 26% new, 96% French oak barrels. Racked once out of barrel before final blending. · Medium reddish purple hue in the glass. A diverse array of aromas are offered including red cherry and strawberry, plum, root beer and sandalwood. Easy to drink with modest weight flavors of red and black fruits accented with spice and oakdriven anise. Very elegant and supple, with well-integrated tannins and acidity. Widely available and a solid go-to wine for dinner. Score: 88. Reviewed February 4, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.5% alc., $23. · Moderate yellow color and clear in the glass. Scents of lemon zest, green apple, green herbs and oak lead to a light weight palate of lemon and pear flavors and well-integrated acidity. Delicate and nicely crafted, but nothing stands out. Score: 86. Reviewed March 29, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.56, $25. Sourced from select vineyard sites in proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Clones 667, 777, 115, Pommard, 2A, Martini, Flowers, Calera, “828,” and 23. 100% de-stemmed, 3 to 4-day cold soak, fermented in small, open-top tanks, minimal post-fermentation maceration, aged in 26% new (98% French) oak barrels for 6 months. Racked only once for blending just before bottling. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Enticing aromas soar from the glass including cherries, berries, purple grapes and earthy flora. Very tasty juice with excellent depth and length offering an arsenal of flavors including dark red strawberries and cherries, cola and gregarious spice with a dusting of oak enhancing the experience. Nicely crafted, with supple tannins and a long, caressing finish. As good or better than many Pinot Noirs in the marketplace costing twice as much. Score: 92. Reviewed November 9, 2013 ARTICLE »

2012 La Crema Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.55, 12,224 cases, $30. A blend of fruit from ten different vineyards including the sub-AVAs of McMinnville, Eola-Amity Hills and Dundee Hills. 8 different clones (667, 777, 23, Pommard, 2A, 113, 114, 115) and a variety of climatic and soil profiles. 100% de-stemmed, 3-day cold soak. Aged 9 months in 25% new French oak barrels with medium to medium-plus toast. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Classy aromas of black cherry, forest floor, rose petal and spice hold up nicely over time in the glass. Generous and forward in character with a lip-smacking core of dark cherry, raspberry and pomegranate fruits accented with a hint of mocha and savory dried herbs. Very accommodating, with mild tannins and a juicy, fruity finish. I sampled this wine against several premium Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs and it held its own. A solid everyday Pinot that is in wide retail distribution at the right price. Score: 90. Reviewed March 29, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 La Crema Los Carneros Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.51, 2,745 cases, $40. 667, Calera, Swan, 2A, Pommard and 777. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, 70% whole berries in tank. Gentle punch downs several times each day. Aged 9 months in 33% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas draw you into the glass with vivacious notes of blackberry jam, black raspberry coulis and sexy spice. Rich, plush and broad in the mouth, with an array of luscious dark stone and berry fruits, complimentary oak barrel presence, and nicely integrated tannins. This wine is a big boy with a smile that will find widespread appeal. La Crema continues to offer consistently superb Pinot Noirs from multiple California appellations. Drawing upon a vast vineyard portfolio, there are few other labels that can match La Crema for unfailing excellence year after year. Score: 92. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 La Crema Panorama Vineyard Arroyo Seco Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.51, $40. Clones 667, 777, 23. A single estate vineyard bottling aged 9 months in 98% French oak, 28% new. · Aromas of dark berries, tea leaves, violets, and a hint of clove. Pleasing array of blackberry, ollaliberry and plum fruit with a note of oak that is beautifully integrated. A very harmonious wine that delivers pleasure now but has the balance to last another 6-7 years. Score: 91. Reviewed February 22, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 La Crema Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.54, $40. Clones are Martini, 667, 115, Pommard and 2A. 100% de-stemmed, 70% whole berries, 5-day cold soak, aged 9 months in 30% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy blackberry fruit is accented by spice and smoky oak on the nose. Full-bodied, with deep flavors of black cherry, blackberry, black plum and cola. Atypical for the Russian River Valley in that it veers to the purple and black fruit spectrum. Well-managed firm tannins give the wine muscle and the finish is broad and generous. Seems a bit brooding at this stage and may blossom further with another year in bottle. Score: 88. Reviewed February 22, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 La Crema Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.80, TA 0.52, 2,014 cases, $50. Sourced primarily from Maggy Hawk Estate Vineyard. Wädenswil, Pommard, 115, 777 and 667 clones.100% destemmed, 70% whole berries in tank, 5-day cold soak, fermented in open tanks, aged 9 months in 38% new French oak. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Restrained, but pleasant aromas of black cherry, rose petal and seasoned oak. Mid to full bodied core of fresh black cherry fruit that is generous on the palate and finishes with good intensity. The tannins are balanced and the mouthfeel is silky. Straightforward and fruit-driven, but hard to ignore. Better over time in the glass which is always a good sign. Score: 90. Reviewed July 28, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.52, 30,000 cases, $23. Aged 7 months in 23% new and 77% seasoned French oak barrels. Racked once out of barrel before final blending. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Very fragrant with aromas of confected cherries, ripe strawberries, Indian spices and a subtle saline note. Easy to cozy up to with forward flavors of black cherries, black raspberries, spice and toffee-laced oak. A subtle, confected (sweet) tone to the fruit is evident. Very smooth on the palate with gentle tannins. One of California’s best and most reliable, value-priced and widely available Pinot Noirs. Good. Reviewed May 5, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.55, >50,000 cases, $25. 100% destemmed, 5-day cold soak, fermentation in open top tanks with daily punch downs. Aged 6+ months in 98% French oak barrels (23% new). Wines were racked once out of barrel before blending. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of earth-kissed dark red berries and cherries, dried rose petals and subtle oak, picking up intensity over time in the glass. Middleweight flavors of dark red cherries and cranberries with hint of cola, tar, spice and oak, offering caressing tannins, and finishing with a refreshing juiciness. A solid daily drinker. Surprisingly artisan in style considering the huge production. Good. Reviewed January 19, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 La Crema Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.56, RS 0.08%, 4,900 cases, $40. Focus on Laughlin and Piner Estate vineyards but grapes are sourced from diverse regions of the Russian River Valley including Green Valley, the Santa Rosa bench and the hills of Occidental. Clones are Pommard, 23, 777, 115, 667, 828, 2A and Martini. 100% de-stemmed, 70% whole berries, aged 10 months in 31% new French oak barrels. Racked once at blending before bottling. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Very fragrant with an enticing perfume of black cherries, black berries and a hint of cardamom spice maintaining an intensity over time in the glass. Full-bodied and lush, with a delicious core of black cherry and cola flavor with a hint of toasty oak adding interest. Nicely balanced tannins, excellent acidity and some finishing length. One of the better Russian River Valley appellation wines tasted from this vintage. Very good. Reviewed April 13, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 La Crema Monterey Chardonnay

13.9% alc., $18. A variety of clones including 4, Dijon and Rued. · Light straw color and clear in the glass. Aromas of baked pear, butter, toast and hazelnuts. Light and simple, with noticeable oak, citrus and mineral flavors. Goes down easy, but not distinguished. Decent. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »

2010 La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.82, TA 0.52, 51,000 cases, $20. Aged 7 months in 98% French (21% new) and 2% American (1% new). Racked once out of barrel just prior to final blending. · Moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. Very fragrant aromas of perfectly ripe berries include strawberries with hints of spice and vanilla. A charming wine that aims to please with a medium weighted core of luscious dark raspberries, strawberries and boysenberries accented with cola, cassis and oak. Nicely buttressed with soft tannins and offering good length on the finish. Great balance. All you can ask for in California Pinot Noir for the price of a Jackson. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »

2010 La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.82, TA 0.53, $25. From very cool vineyard sites in a cool vintage with delayed harvest. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, open top tank fermentation, gentle punch downs three times a day, aged 6.5 months in 23% new French oak. Lots kept separate throughout the winemaking process and blended at the end. A broad pallet of clones including 115, 667, 777, 828, Pommard, Martini, Calera, Mt. Eden, Swan, 2A and 23. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of fresh strawberries, cherries and oak spice, fading some over time in the glass. Crisp and juicy in the mouth with a lighter weight array of dark red cherry and ollaliberry flavors with complimentary oak-driven notes of spice and chocolate. Lacks a bit of finishing length, but overall a fine, reliable daily drinker. Easy to find as it is ubiquitous on grocery store top shelves. Good (+). Reviewed April 4, 2012 ARTICLE »

2010 La Crema Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.56, 5,800 cases, $40. A majority of the fruit comes from the estate Laughlin and Piner vineyards, focusing on Pommard, 23, 777,, 115 and 667 clones. The remainder of the fruit comes from long term growers that bring Martini, 828 and 2A clones to the blend. 100% de-stemmed, 70% whole berries in tank, 5-day cold soak, fermented in open-tops, aged in 30% new French oak for 9 months, racked only for blending before bottling. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Well-perfumed with aromas of black cherries, cola, spice, sandalwood and fennel. Moderately intense flavors of black cherries, cola and toasted oak. Ripe, bold and structured with firm, but giving tannins. A classic window into Russian River Valley terroir that is very approachable now. Good (+). Reviewed July 23, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.52, $24. Most fruit from a high-density planted estate vineyard in the Arroyo Seco appellation. Aged 7 months in 29% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with scents of black cherries, plum sauce, blackberry jam, spice and prickly pear. Well-structured and composed array of earth-kissed purple and black fruits with fine-grain tannins and bright acidity. A hint of oak-derived anise and dark chocolate add interest. Reminds me of Santa Lucia Highlands fruit. Soft and smooth in the mouth making the wine very inviting. A crazy good wine at this price. Reviewed January 27, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.70, $24. Clones 115, 667, 777, 828, Pommard, Martini, 2A, 23, Calera, Mt. Eden and Swan. Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. 100% de-stemmed, cold soaked, open-top container fermentation, aged 7.5 months in 26% new medium to heavy toast French oak barrels, racked once out of barrel before blending. · Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. Subtle but attractive fruit-driven scent of an array of stone fruits and berries. Vivid and pure flavors of cherries and berries backed by sinewy tannins and offered with a softly textured mouth feel. The fruit is really quite charming and has that exotic edge often seen with Sonoma Coast bottlings. An exceptional value. Very good. Reviewed January 27, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 La Crema Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $28. · Deeply colored. Highly perfumed with Bing cherries, strawberries and a touch of baking spice. Tasty strawberry and cherry fruit which is fully ripe and moderately dense. Soft and plush on the palate with supple dry tannins. Easy to drink and in character for the AVA. Good (+). Reviewed January 27, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 La Crema Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.54, 5,800 cases, $40. Clones 667, 777, 115, Martini, 114, 23, 828 and Pommard. Aged 10 months in 51% new French oak barrels. · Moderately intense reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy nose with demure aromas of black cherries, forest floor, and oak. Moderately rich and weighty black cherry, raspberry, licorice and cola flavors with unbridled tannins. Slightly hot on the finish. Unchanged the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Plenty of fruit, but no finesse or nuance. Decent. Reviewed May 15, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 La Crema Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.52, 2,700 cases, $50. Sourced primarily from the Maggy Hawk Vineyard (close to Navarro) in the deep end of the Anderson Valley. Clones 667, 777, 115, 2A, 23, Pommard and 828. Aged 9 months in 36% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Intensely fruity nose initially displaying aromas of fruit bin and mixed berries including strawberries with a hint of vanilla fading over time in the glass. An array of tasty ripe berries is accented by a note of dark chocolate with a grip of citrus peel on the finish. Welcoming fruit intensity coats the palate and persists on the finish, but offers no nuance or intrigue. Smooth and harmonious. Over time, the wine becomes less interesting in the glass. The flavors trump the nose at this point. Worth revisiting in 6 months. Good. Reviewed May 15, 2011 ARTICLE »

2007 La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $24. · The aromas explode from the glass over time with heavenly scents of dark Pinot fruits, cardamon spice and a whiff of smoky oak. Perfectly composed with an array of flavors including plum, blackberry, raspberry, tea and smoke. A fruit-driven wine with a generosity that fills the mouth. Perfect harmony. Clearly, the best wine in this lineup. Reviewed September 5, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 La Crema Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 1,800 cases, $30. Released January 2009. Clones 115, 667, 777 and 23. Grapes are de-stemmed, cold soaked 4 days, aged 9 months in 48% new French oak (medium and medium plus toast levels). · Moderate garnet color. Lovely perfume of cherries and berries with sage. Powerfully flavored ripe berry fruit with a base of minerals and earth. Very friendly in the mouth with a creamy, sexy quality and plenty of vim on the tangy finish. A high-collared and impressive wine. Reviewed June 5, 2009 ARTICLE »

2006 La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $16. · Moderately light reddish-purple color. A cherrydriven wine that is medium-weighted offering tangy fruit flavors enhanced by a touch of spice. The oak is well integrated, the texture is silky and the finish is dry and refreshing. Noticeably less tannic than typical Sonoma Coast Pinot Noirs and more akin to Russian River Valley Pinot Noir bottlings. Reviewed November 17, 2008 ARTICLE »

2006 La Crema Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 2,000 cases, $34. Just released. Clones are Pommard, 115, 667 and 777. · Very heavy bottle, don’t try lifting this with one arm. A black cherry delight from start to finish. Notes of spearmint and smoke add interest to the nose and black raspberry chimes in on the finish. Plush and healthy ripe fruit with velveteen mouth feel. Impeccable balance and thoroughly satisfying. Reviewed June 9, 2008 ARTICLE »

2006 La Crema Nine Barrel Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14,5% alc., 225 cases, $70. Nine best barrels in the cellar. · Very fruity nose with an array of interesting aromas including roasted pear, tutti-fruity, vanilla and toasted meringue. Full-bodied poached pear and apple tart flavors cascade through the palate. A hedonistic wine for contemplation. Reviewed September 5, 2009 ARTICLE »

2006 La Crema 9 Barrels Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 225 cases, $90. The most exceptional nine barrels in the cellar. Clones are 115, 667, 777, 23 and Pommard. All free-run juice and aged for 9 months in 45% new French oak. The Nine Barrel blend is layered and then racked to one-year-old French oak barrels for an additional 5 months of aging. · Deep ruby color. Ever changing aromas of Bing cherries, cherry cola, Asian spice, and oak vanillin. Rich dark blackberry fruit that is intense but not jammy. Oak plays a light supporting role. Plenty of lively acid and ripe tannins to balance the prodigious fruit. Beautifully crafted with perfect harmony. A very good wine but doesn’t yet quite deliver the emotion one expects from such an expensive wine. Cellar for at least a year or two. Reviewed July 9, 2009 ARTICLE »

2005 La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $22. Gold Medal Sonoma County Harvest Fair. · Complex aromatics of wet leaf, mown hay, char and dark fruit. Some appealing minerality and notable herbs and dirt enhance the slightly muted dark Pinot fruits. Velvety mouth feel and a lingering tang, even high strung, finish. Reviewed April 7, 2008 ARTICLE »

2005 La Crema Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc.., $25. · This has to be one of the best Pinot Noirs crafted at this price level. The nose is pure fruit - crushed cherries, raspberries, strawberries. The red fruit flavors linger an eternity on the finish. This is a wine that feels like velvet and revels in its finesse. Reviewed June 3, 2007 ARTICLE »

2005 La Crema Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $34. Dijon clones 115, 667 and 777. 33% new barrels. · Fairly dark ruby color. Rather flamboyant scents of dusty cherries. Soft in the mouth, the dark red cherries are highlighted by herbs and spice and a touch of earth, ending with a refreshing acid lift. Delivers more on the nose than in the mouth. Reviewed April 7, 2008 ARTICLE »

2005 La Crema Los Carneros Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $34. Pommard, 115, 667 and 777 clones. · Deeper, darker and denser than the other wines in the lineup. This one really pumps out the aromas of rich black cherry and boysenberries. The black fruits carry the theme to a slightly dry and tannic finish. Reviewed April 7, 2008 ARTICLE »

2005 La Crema Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $34. 47% new barrels. Dijon and Pommard clones. · This is the most showy wine and has the most appealing velvety texture in the lineup. Starts off with black cherry, honey and green herb scents leading to flavors of Bing cherry with herbs, and woodsy accents. Clean finish and very drinkable. Reviewed April 7, 2008 ARTICLE »