LA CREMA
Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2019
100% Chardonnay
RSD 5,280
AWARDS
91 points - Robert Parker (for 2019 Vintage)
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. We’re continually exploring these very special regions - passionate in our belief that they make uniquely expressive and elegant wines.
VINEYARDS
The 2019 growing season in the Russian River Valley was nearly ideal. Winter began with record rainfall in February and March, which replenished the groundwater. Bud break was delayed two weeks compared to 2018 due to the late rains. Another heavy rain in May came right around bloom, but it did not affect the fruit set substantially. Summer was relatively mild and was in line with 2018 conditions. A long slow ripening season produced grapes with distinct flavors, aromas, and vibrant acidity. The Chardonnay harvest in the Russian River Valley began on September 16th.
WINEMAKING
The fruit was picked in the cool morning hours before being gently whole cluster pressed to preserve fresh fruit characteristics. Free run juice was allowed to settle overnight at cold temperatures before being racked to French oak barrels for fermentation. Primary and secondary fermentation occurred in barrel and lees were stirred occasionally to develop texture. The finished wine was aged in barrel for 10 months before bottling. 100% French oak;
30% new
TASTING NOTES
Aromas of fresh nectarine, green pineapple, and magnolia blossoms are followed by flavors of anjou pear, meyer lemon, and crème brûlée. The 2019 vintage presents balanced acidity and a supple finish.” Jennifer Walsh - Winemaker.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Region: Russian River Valley, California
Alcohol: 14.2%
TA: 0.58 g/100ml
pH: 3.39
LA CREMA
Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2019
100% Pinot Noir
RSD 7,680
AWARDS
91 Points - Wine.com (for 2019 Vintage)
90 points - Wine Enthusiast (for 2018 Vintage)
92 points - Wine Spectator (for 2018 Vintage)
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. Oregon’s Willamette Valley is no exception. We thoroughly appreciate, and are fully committed to, all that makes this region so revered — its beauty, its passion, its wine.
VINEYARDS
Running 120 miles North to South from Portland to Eugene, Oregon’s Willamette Valley AVA is in the Northwest corner of the state. The region is known for producing unique wines that are able to nd a balance between New World and Old World expression. Boasting a Mediterranean climate with maritime infuence and diverse soil types, it is no surprise that the Willamette Valley is now recognized as one of the premier Pinot Noir growing regions in the world. The fruit for this wine was sourced from eight vineyards spread across four sub-appellations of the Willamette Valley. Estate vineyards include Gran Moraine in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, Zena Crown in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, and Jory Hills in the Dundee Hills AVA. Clones included in the blend are 114, 115, 667, 777, 828, Pommard, and Swan.
WINEMAKING
The 2019 growing season returned to the quintessential Oregon season, characterized by precipitation throughout the year. From a wet winter to late rains in June and July. Phenological activities were similar to those of 2018 but with more moderate temperatures throughout the growing season resulting in slower sugar accumulation. These cooler temperatures and properly thinned fruit kept disease pressure at bay and allowed for flavor development into October.
The grapes were hand-picked and hand-sorted in the cool of the morning before being gently de-stemmed with a portion of the fruit side aside for whole cluster fermentation. The wine is cold soaked for three to five days before being inoculated with select yeast strains. During fermentation in open-top tanks, the cap is manipulated with pump-overs or punch downs up to two times a day depending on what the fruit is showing. Post-fermentation, free-run wine was settled for a minimum of two days before racking to new and used French oak barrels. The wine was aged without racking until final blending. 8 months in French oak, 100% French; 26% new.
TASTING NOTES
“Savory notes of oak are complemented by initial notes of sweet cherry, raspberry, and roasted plum, which give way to rustic tannins that provide the wine with a supple texture.” - Craig McAllister, Winemaker
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Alcohol: 13.5%
TA: 0.56 g/100ml
pH: 3.65