La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2023

Characterised by the Pacific Ocean’s cool winds and fog, the Sonoma Coast AVA stretches from Mendocino to San Pablo Bay, uniting rugged coastlines, redwood forests, and tranquil valleys. The marine climate is ideal for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Most vineyards sit above the fog line, enjoying enough sun and warmth to ripen grapes. Large diurnal temperature swings, nurture grapes with nuanced flavours and excellent acidity retention. Shaped by plate tectonics, volcanic activity, and erosion, the soils are remarkably varied: from clay loam near San Pablo Bay to rocky, ocean-born soils along the Pacific ridges. La Crema’s sustainability efforts are certified through third-party audits, including Sustainability In Practice (SIP) and Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW). Key elements include land conservation: 60% of the estate vineyards are unplanted, allowing natural habitats to thrive and integrating the vines into the land’s ecosystem. Water is conserved through rainwater capture, winery water is recycled for vineyard irrigation, and precision drip irrigation is guided by soil moisture monitoring. Regenerative farming techniques improve soil health through reduced tillage, composting, cover crops, livestock integration, and natural pest control chemical fertiliser elimination.

The hand-harvested grapes were gently fermented with selected yeasts until dry. The wine was aged in 100% French oak of which 21% was new lasting for five to six months.