2021 La Crema - Chardonnay Sonoma

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.

A REMARKABLE PLACE
One of Sonoma County’s largest AVAs, the Sonoma Coast Appellation stretches from the San Pablo Bay in the South to Mendocino County line to the North and runs primarily along the mountainous coastline of the Pacific Ocean. A sprawling growing region, the Sonoma Coast AVA is known for its strong maritime influence that provides a cool growing climate throughout the year with fog moderating warmer summer temperatures. With its unique geography and climate, the Sonoma Coast has proven itself to be one of the world’s premier Chardonnay producing regions.

The fruit for this wine was sourced from several of La Crema’s estate vineyards including Laughlin, Saralees, Fluton, KelliAnn, Carneros Hills West, Carneros Hills East, Piner and Durell. Soils across the vineyards are predominantly free draining and low vigor. Clones include 4,5,15, 17 (Robert Young), 76, 95,96, 809, Wente, and Hyde Wente.
It’s one of the world’s best cool-climate appellations. It’s a place for La Crema.

EXCEPTIONAL GRAPES
The Sonoma Coast had an excellent growing season in 2021. A relatively dry winter with exacerbated drought conditions, followed by a cold Spring that brought freeze events pre and post bud break. Mid August heat drove early ripening, resulting in lower yields, but created intense aromas and flavors in exceptional fruit. The 2021 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay harvest began on August 26th.

ARTISAN WINEMAKING
Our boutique, hands-on techniques continued into the winery.
Once picked the fruit is gently pressed and allowed to settle for 24 hours before being racked to oak barrels for fermentation. 15% of the barrels are initially co-inoculated with a house strain of malolactic bacteria which are later used to top off the remainder of the entire lot after primary fermentation is complete. The lees in each barrel are stirred once or twice a month to provide additional texture. The finished wine is aged on lees for 7 months before final blending and bottling.
California’s exquisite Sonoma Coast, in a bottle.