2022 La Crema Fog Veil Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

A jeweled ruby color, the 2022 Pinot Noir Fog Veil opens to notes of ripe black cherries, forest floor, ripe floral perfume, a dark woodsy spice. The palate is silky and round, with ripe, medium to full-bodied richness and a plush, even, ripe feel through the finish.

91 points jebdunnuck.com

From the cool, fog influenced vineyards of the Russian River Valley, La Crema Fog Veil Pinot Noir captures the richness and polish that have made this region a global reference point for California Pinot. La Crema, founded in 1979, has built its reputation on site driven wines that balance generosity with structure, and Fog Veil draws its name from the morning fog that rolls in from the Pacific, tempering the climate and preserving freshness.

A deep ruby garnet with brilliant clarity fills the glass. Aromas unfold with dark cherry, ripe strawberry and plum layered with rose petal, baking spice and subtle notes of forest floor and vanilla. There is a plush, inviting character here, balanced by a lifted freshness.

The palate is medium to full bodied and silky, delivering ripe red and dark berry fruit framed by smooth tannins and vibrant acidity. Notes of cola spice, mocha and gentle oak build through the mid palate, leading to a long, polished finish that feels both generous and composed. While immediately appealing for its richness, this Pinot Noir will continue to evolve over six to ten years, gaining savoury complexity and depth.

Duck breast with crispy skin, porcini risotto shared slowly, or smoky grilled mushrooms layered over toasted bread. A late evening drift between Miles Davis Kind of Blue and Debussy La Mer, the wine moving between jazz warmth and classical elegance, rich, fluid and quietly immersive.