2022 La Crema Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

Aromas of toasted marshmallow, caramelized cherry and black tea mingle on the nose of this wine. Spiced berry compote, grilled brioche and grilled portobello mushroom flavors on the palate give way to a warm and peppery finish.

89 points wineenthusiast.com

Known for its fog-cooled mornings and sunny afternoons, the Russian River Valley provides the ideal conditions for Pinot Noir, producing wines with vibrant fruit, earthy complexity, and silky texture. La Crema, a pioneer in California’s cool-climate winemaking, has built a reputation for creating expressive wines that reflect their unique origins with elegance and balance.

Bright ruby in color, this Pinot Noir opens with inviting aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and plum, interwoven with notes of rose petal, baking spice, and a hint of forest floor. The palate is medium-bodied and supple, offering flavors of ripe red berries, cranberry, and pomegranate, framed by fine tannins and refreshing acidity. Subtle oak aging adds layers of vanilla and clove, while the finish is long and smooth, with lingering hints of spice and earthy undertones.

This Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with roast duck, grilled salmon, and mushroom risotto. Its bright fruit and silky texture also make it a great match for charcuterie, herb-roasted chicken, or pasta with wild mushrooms. Designed for immediate enjoyment, it can also develop additional complexity over the next 5–7 years.

La Crema’s focus on cool-climate sites and artisanal winemaking techniques has earned this Pinot Noir widespread acclaim as one of the best examples of Russian River Valley’s signature style.