2023 La Crema - Chardonnay Sonoma HALF BOTTLE (375ml)

La Crema was founded in 1979 under the name La Crema Viñera, meaning "best of the vine," at a time when few wineries in the Russian River Valley were making serious, cool-climate Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. The winery's early focus on Burgundian style winemaking helped put the region on the map, and in 1993 Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke acquired the estate, expanding its reach into other prime coastal appellations while keeping its founding philosophy intact. Today La Crema still centers its work on the same idea that started it all: cool, fog-touched sites produce the most expressive Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in California.

This Sonoma Coast bottling is sourced from vineyards along the county's breezy Pacific edge, where ocean fog and wind keep temperatures low through the growing season. The wine is barrel fermented with regular battonage and hand punch-downs to build texture, then aged in French oak, roughly a third of it new, a process meant to add richness without masking the fruit.

Aromas of Meyer lemon, pear, and white flowers lead into a fleshy, vibrant palate of crisp apple, golden peach, and pineapple, with a touch of graham cracker richness underneath. Balanced acidity carries the wine through a long, concentrated finish. Serve it with cracked crab, butternut squash risotto, or a slice of key lime pie.