La Crema Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2019
A more layered and refined Pinot Noir with bright cherry fruit, silky texture, and cool-climate poise. Elegant, polished, and beautifully balanced.
For more than four decades, La Crema has been dedicated to showcasing California’s premier cool-climate vineyards, and nowhere is this commitment more evident than in the Russian River Valley. Nestled in Sonoma County, this region is internationally renowned for producing Pinot Noir of elegance and depth. Its unique geography - a valley shaped by the Russian River itself - allows cooling fog from the Pacific Ocean to roll in each evening, tempering the sun-filled days and extending the growing season. Combined with well-draining Goldridge soils, these conditions create the perfect environment for Pinot Noir that is both expressive and refined.
The 2019 La Crema Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is a vivid expression of this terroir. Aromas of cherry, raspberry, and rose petal lead into layers of black plum, boysenberry, and subtle spice. On the palate, juicy acidity lifts the fruit, while supple tannins provide structure and silkiness. Eleven months in French oak add complexity, with hints of cocoa, black tea, and toasted brioche unfolding through the mid-palate. The finish is long, graceful, and balanced, carrying notes of red fruit and earthy minerality.
This wine reflects La Crema’s philosophy of artisanal, site-driven winemaking - crafting Pinot Noir that captures both the richness of California fruit and the nuance of the Russian River Valley’s cool-climate character. Elegant enough to serve at fine occasions yet versatile for everyday meals, it is a benchmark example of what has made Russian River Pinot Noir one of the world’s most sought-after styles.
USA
Sonoma County
Pinot Noir 
750ml
14%
2019La Crema Russian River Valley Pinot Noir steps up from the Monterey bottling into one of California’s most respected Pinot Noir regions. Russian River Valley’s cool mornings, fog influence, and longer ripening season allow Pinot to retain perfume, lift, and a more finely drawn structure, while still achieving California generosity of fruit.
La Crema’s style remains polished and consumer-friendly, but Russian River adds an extra layer of sophistication. The wine tends to show more aromatic detail, better balance, and more subtle savoury complexity than simpler California Pinot bottlings, which makes it feel much more premium at the table.
This is the sort of Pinot that satisfies both the casual drinker and the more serious enthusiast: soft and open enough to enjoy immediately, but with enough finesse and shape to feel like a proper cool-climate expression.
A dry, medium-bodied red with silky tannins, bright red fruit, and more aromatic lift than broader California examples. It is elegant rather than powerful, but still generous enough to feel satisfying.
In simple terms: a premium California Pinot — smooth, floral, and refined, with Russian River freshness and poise.
- Appearance: Bright ruby with soft garnet shading.
- Nose: Red cherry, rose petal, raspberry, and subtle spice.
- Palate: Lively red fruit with floral lift and polished savoury detail.
- Texture: Medium-bodied with silky, fine-grained tannins.
- Finish: Fresh, smooth, and elegant.
- Overall Impression: A highly attractive Russian River Pinot Noir with real polish and excellent balance.
- Duck – A particularly strong match for this more refined style.
- Roast Chicken – Excellent with herb-roasted poultry.
- Wild Mushroom Dishes – Earthy ingredients suit the wine’s cooler-climate nuances.
- Salmon – The balance of fruit and freshness works very well here.
- Brie or Camembert – Soft-rinded cheeses complement the wine’s silky texture.
- Serve at 14–16°C.
- No heavy decant required, but 10–15 minutes in the glass helps.
- Use a Burgundy-style glass.
- Best enjoyed over the next 3–5 years.
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