La Crema Pinot noir, Monterey

When La Crema was founded in 1979, the Russian River Valley had yet to establish itself as one of California’s most important regions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The first few vintages at La Crema were devoted to learning the intricacies of cold-climate viticulture and winemaking along with the task of procuring first-class vineyards for fruit. In 1993 Jess Jackson bought La Crema and, with the help of winemaker Dan Goldfield, elevated the quality of the wines and enhanced the winery’s reputation as a top producer in California for Burgundian varieties. Over the intervening years, La Crema expanded its collection of vineyards to include some of the most esteemed sites in not just the Russian River Valley but also Sonoma Coast, Green Valley, Fort Ross-Seaview, Mendocino, Carneros and Monterey. 2010 vintage on the nose, red plum, tea leaves and coffee bean. On the palate, red cherry, orange zest and classic Monterey minerality. A lingering finish of sweet spice.