January 7, 2010 LeCrema 2009 Pinot Noir

    Paul and I drink a lot of really obscure wine. But fortunately for Knoxvillians, this particular wine is acquirable in town. We first tasted wine from the LaCrema vineyards in Chicago a couple of years back when we were there with friends selecting wines for our wedding. This one didn't make the final cut, but it certainly wasn't because there's a thing wrong with it. It's lovely wine.
    
     See below the philosophy of LaCrema winemakers in their own words:
"For more than 30 years, La Crema has explored California’s coastal appellations, a voyage of varietals that started here at our estate in the foggy vineyards of the Russian River Valley. On our journey, we have found exciting cool-climate vineyards north in the rugged hills of Mendocino, and south along the wind-swept slopes of Los Carneros. Most recently, our exploration has taken us to the wind-swept hillside vineyards of Monterey. Centered always on the dual lens of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, we look for one unifying factor at these exceptional sites: coastal wind and fog that allow the grapes ripen slowly on the vine, developing intensely complex aromas and flavors while retaining firm acid structure.
Naturally, our winemaking team seeks to express the essence of the terroir in our wines, capturing the unique personality and flavor profile of the vineyards. Elizabeth Grant-Douglas infuses our winemaking regime with a highly personal touch that combines the best of traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques with a contemporary California style."

    Some fun facts about their winemaking is that they harvest by hand in the early morning and after removing stems, leave the fruit in a cold soak for 5-8 days to capture color and aromatics. They ferment in open containers, stirring three times daily. Then they gently press the wine off the grape components, and barrel it predominantly in French oak.

JUST THE FACTS:

     This wine poured a beautiful ruby color and was clear.

     I have to admit that all the decent notes beyond color are Paul's because my sinuses didn't permit me to enjoy fully in the way of flavor.

     On the nose, I detected very little except coffee, but Paul said "damp earth." Others have noted tobacco overtones, cherry, blackberry and expresso.

     On the palate, Paul appreciated the big black cherry fruit component as well as tannins, particularly in the finish. I could actually taste the tannins and a distinct peppery quality on the finish, despite my limitations.  Others have noted the bold fruit taste esp cherry, plums and/or blackberries and some reviewers tasted cardamom, vanilla, and licorice.

     The ratings on this wine range from 89-92.

      I think it may improve with cellaring and a long decant.

     I have seen the cost range from $19.99 to $40, so it's the wild wild west on this one!

     Even if you cannot find this vintage, there is sure to be a LaCrema wine in a liquor store near you.

WINE QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle.”
― Paulo Coelho