Wine maker notes

THE SERIES: MONTEREY La Crema is a pioneer in cool-climate artisan winemaking. From our home in the Russian River Valley, we have explored California’s finest coastal growing regions to uncover vineyards where cooling coastal wind and fog allow the grapes to ripen slowly on the vine, developing complex aromas and flavors. This quest has led us north into the rugged hills of Mendocino and south along the wind-swept slopes of Los Carneros, all the way to the cool benchlands of Monterey, where beautifully textured Pinot Noir makes a natural addition to our portfolio. THE PLACE: MONTEREY The vineyards of Monterey are defined by persistent ocean winds that are funneled down a 90-mile-long valley that runs north to south between the Santa Lucia and Gabilan Mountains. These strong winds combine with abundant sun and scarce rainfall to give this wine region one of the longest, coolest growing seasons in California. The coolest vineyards are at the northernmost tip of the valley, where Pinot Noir develops remarkable aromatic and textural complexity with crisp, firm structural elements.