La Crema Chardonnay Russian River 2023
Introduction
This white wine originates from the United States, produced in the California region within the prestigious Russian River Valley subregion of Sonoma County. Originally founded in 1979 as La Crema Viñera, meaning 'best of the vine', the winery was established by Rod Berglund and a group of investors. In 1993, the winery was acquired by Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke of Jackson Family Wines, who shifted the focus toward producing high-quality, handcrafted wines from cool-climate appellations. The winemaking philosophy emphasizes Burgundian-style techniques, such as barrel fermentation and aging, to create wines that offer a unique combination of richness and restraint.
Wine Description
The La Crema Chardonnay Russian River presents a luminous straw to pale gold colour. The nose is aromatic and layered, offering scents of lemon meringue, mandarin blossom, and jasmine, supported by subtle hints of toasted hazelnut, brioche, and oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and supple, delivering concentrated flavours of fresh nectarine, apricot, pineapple, and Meyer lemon, with rich notes of vanilla custard and crème brûlée emerging through the mid-palate. It is characterized by its vibrant, fleshy texture and balanced acidity that leads into a lingering, mineral-driven finish. This 100% Chardonnay typically has an ABV of 14.5% and undergoes approximately eight months of aging in French oak barrels (about 30% new) along with malolactic fermentation to soften its acidity. The wine is not certified organic, and its optimal drinking window is generally from release through 2028.
Accolades
Wine Enthusiast - 93 points.
James Suckling - 92 points.
Wine Spectator - 92 points.
Natalie MacLean - 91 points.
Food Pairing
The rich texture and vibrant acidity of this Russian River Chardonnay make it an ideal partner for sophisticated and savoury dishes. It pairs beautifully with rich seafood such as scallop scampi, brown sugar-crusted salmon, and spot prawn bisque. It also complements creamy pasta dishes, roast chicken, and grilled turkey. For simpler options, consider a charcuterie board with mild vegetables or a caramelized pear filled with cheese fondue.
Vintage Quality
The 2023 vintage in the Russian River Valley produced wines with exceptional aromatic intensity and balanced acidity, as a relatively cool growing season allowed for gradual ripening. In previous years, such as 2021 and 2022, the region's characteristic morning fog and coastal breezes from the Pacific Ocean were critical in preserving the freshness and concentrated fruit character of the Chardonnay grapes.
Introduction
This white wine originates from the United States, produced in the California region within the prestigious Russian River Valley subregion of Sonoma County. Originally founded in 1979 as La Crema Viñera, meaning 'best of the vine', the winery was established by Rod Berglund and a group of investors. In 1993, the winery was acquired by Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke of Jackson Family Wines, who shifted the focus toward producing high-quality, handcrafted wines from cool-climate appellations. The winemaking philosophy emphasizes Burgundian-style techniques, such as barrel fermentation and aging, to create wines that offer a unique combination of richness and restraint.
Wine Description
The La Crema Chardonnay Russian River presents a luminous straw to pale gold colour. The nose is aromatic and layered, offering scents of lemon meringue, mandarin blossom, and jasmine, supported by subtle hints of toasted hazelnut, brioche, and oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and supple, delivering concentrated flavours of fresh nectarine, apricot, pineapple, and Meyer lemon, with rich notes of vanilla custard and crème brûlée emerging through the mid-palate. It is characterized by its vibrant, fleshy texture and balanced acidity that leads into a lingering, mineral-driven finish. This 100% Chardonnay typically has an ABV of 14.5% and undergoes approximately eight months of aging in French oak barrels (about 30% new) along with malolactic fermentation to soften its acidity. The wine is not certified organic, and its optimal drinking window is generally from release through 2028.
Accolades
Wine Enthusiast - 93 points.
James Suckling - 92 points.
Wine Spectator - 92 points.
Natalie MacLean - 91 points.
Food Pairing
The rich texture and vibrant acidity of this Russian River Chardonnay make it an ideal partner for sophisticated and savoury dishes. It pairs beautifully with rich seafood such as scallop scampi, brown sugar-crusted salmon, and spot prawn bisque. It also complements creamy pasta dishes, roast chicken, and grilled turkey. For simpler options, consider a charcuterie board with mild vegetables or a caramelized pear filled with cheese fondue.
Vintage Quality
The 2023 vintage in the Russian River Valley produced wines with exceptional aromatic intensity and balanced acidity, as a relatively cool growing season allowed for gradual ripening. In previous years, such as 2021 and 2022, the region's characteristic morning fog and coastal breezes from the Pacific Ocean were critical in preserving the freshness and concentrated fruit character of the Chardonnay grapes.
Original: $27.68
-65%$27.68
$9.69Description
Introduction
This white wine originates from the United States, produced in the California region within the prestigious Russian River Valley subregion of Sonoma County. Originally founded in 1979 as La Crema Viñera, meaning 'best of the vine', the winery was established by Rod Berglund and a group of investors. In 1993, the winery was acquired by Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke of Jackson Family Wines, who shifted the focus toward producing high-quality, handcrafted wines from cool-climate appellations. The winemaking philosophy emphasizes Burgundian-style techniques, such as barrel fermentation and aging, to create wines that offer a unique combination of richness and restraint.
Wine Description
The La Crema Chardonnay Russian River presents a luminous straw to pale gold colour. The nose is aromatic and layered, offering scents of lemon meringue, mandarin blossom, and jasmine, supported by subtle hints of toasted hazelnut, brioche, and oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and supple, delivering concentrated flavours of fresh nectarine, apricot, pineapple, and Meyer lemon, with rich notes of vanilla custard and crème brûlée emerging through the mid-palate. It is characterized by its vibrant, fleshy texture and balanced acidity that leads into a lingering, mineral-driven finish. This 100% Chardonnay typically has an ABV of 14.5% and undergoes approximately eight months of aging in French oak barrels (about 30% new) along with malolactic fermentation to soften its acidity. The wine is not certified organic, and its optimal drinking window is generally from release through 2028.
Accolades
Wine Enthusiast - 93 points.
James Suckling - 92 points.
Wine Spectator - 92 points.
Natalie MacLean - 91 points.
Food Pairing
The rich texture and vibrant acidity of this Russian River Chardonnay make it an ideal partner for sophisticated and savoury dishes. It pairs beautifully with rich seafood such as scallop scampi, brown sugar-crusted salmon, and spot prawn bisque. It also complements creamy pasta dishes, roast chicken, and grilled turkey. For simpler options, consider a charcuterie board with mild vegetables or a caramelized pear filled with cheese fondue.
Vintage Quality
The 2023 vintage in the Russian River Valley produced wines with exceptional aromatic intensity and balanced acidity, as a relatively cool growing season allowed for gradual ripening. In previous years, such as 2021 and 2022, the region's characteristic morning fog and coastal breezes from the Pacific Ocean were critical in preserving the freshness and concentrated fruit character of the Chardonnay grapes.
