2018 La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, California

The Sonoma Coast AVA is known for its strong maritime influence that provides a cool growing climate throughout the year with fog moderating warmer summer temperatures. With its unique geography and climate, the Sonoma Coast has proven itself to be one of the world’s premier Pinot Noir producing regions.

The fruit for this wine was sourced from multiple estate vineyards spread across the Sonoma Coast AVA.The 2018 growing season saw a return to more typical conditions in the Sonoma Coast AVA. Winter provided ample rainfall which was followed by a mild but wet spring. Bud break occurred in late March which was three to four weeks later than the previous two years.

Moderate temperatures persisted through bloom and early grape development allowing for healthy fruit set. Summer brought warmer temperatures but absent the extreme heat spikes seen in previous years. In August the marine layer consistently provided cool mornings allowing the fruit to ripen slowly and promoting flavor development and acid retention in the fruit. The 2018 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir harvest started on September 12th.