Description
Over 30 years of experience working with chardonnay and pinot noir have established La Crema as a winery of consistent quality in the USA. La Crema produces wines from top cool-climate appellations to include; Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Monterey and most recently Willamette. The unifying factors of all these sites are their cool, windy climates and marine-based soils.
La Crema’s vineyards are all harvested by hand in the cooler morning hours. The winemaking techniques are primarily traditional with modern enhancements to ensure that the wines are true to both the variety and the terroir. Chardonnays are whole-cluster pressed and fermented and aged in French oak on the lees with bi-monthly battonage to add texture and complexity. The Pinot Noirs are cold soaked for five to eight days before fermentation in small, open-top fermenters and aged in a combination of new and used French oak barrels. As with the Chardonnay, La Crema’s Pinot Noirs are pure, accurate and reflective of their origin.
Outstanding vineyard sources, limited yields and artisanal wine making produce wines that receive high acclaim.
From the winemaker, Jennifer Walsh “Our original name, La Crema Vinera, means “best of the vine,” setting the standard for all we do since 1979. Our family-owned and operated winery focuses exclusively on cool-climate appellations, passionate in our belief that they make uniquely expressive and elegant wines.”
A long, long valley, both pastoral and austere. On one end, the Monterey Bay— dramatically deep, unusually cold. On the other, Central California, rich in history and agriculture. Throughout, a brisk, ever-present breeze that rises from the ocean and cools both fields of produce and expansive, rolling vineyards. This is Monterey—rocky, windswept and unrestrained.
About this wine and vintage from the winemaker: “Sonoma County received record breaking and persistent rainfall throughout winter and into early spring of 2023. Bud break came late with emerging leaves in late March. Spring stayed relatively cool, with the trend of running 3-4 weeks behind continued throughout the growing season and into harvest. The long hang time provided ideal conditions for flavor development and acid retention. Fruit displayed great flavor intensity and vibrant acidity during harvest. Our 2023 Chardonnay harvest began September 21st.
“The fruit is gently pressed, settled for 24 hours then racked to barrel for fermentation. Lees stirred monthly, with the wine aged on lees for approximately 6 months. 75% French Oak, 25% American Oak. Wine is matured in barrel for 6 months.
“Aromas of Meyer lemon, white flowers, and subtle hints of oak. Golden peach and pineapple, are followed by flavours of graham cracker crust, with a vibrant and concentrated acidity that drives a lingering finish.”
RRP $70 Special Price $55.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine
