California’s La Crema winery is part of Jackson Wine Estates and produces Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (and some Syrah) from appellations all along the coast — Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Carneros, Anderson Valley and Monterey. Winemaker Melissa Stackhouse has been with the winery since 2000 and head winemaker since 2004.

I’ve recently had the pleasure of tasting a selection of La Crema wines from the 2007 harvest. Here are my notes!

La Crema 2007 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast ($23). Fresh and fragrant, with honeysuckle and citrus lacing ripe apple and pear fruit, with delicate spice and creme brulee notes on the long, clean finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

La Crema 2007 Chardonnay Los Carneros ($30). Starts slow and oak-driven, with muted fruit aromas and flavors, then builds to pretty pear and stone fruit, finishing with some tropical citrus touches and rich cream and spices. Could use a bit more time in the bottle. Best from 2010 to 2014. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-07-03)

La Crema 2007 Chardonnay Russian River Valley ($30). Offers an appealing brightness and clarity to the ripe pear and apple fruit that floats over the creamy, oaky base. Stays juicy and rich through the finish, picking up spice and creamy vanilla along the way. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-07-03)

La Crema 2007 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast ($25). This one started out quite light at first, but after a few hours opened up to include some delicately lush red cherry and berry character, along with accents of spiced tea and mineral. Moderate length. Ready to drink now (recommend a bit of breathing time!) and over the next three or four years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-06-22)

La Crema 2007 Pinot Noir Los Carneros ($38). Deep black cherry aromas and flavors are accented with cola, clove and a touch of mocha, for a rich, full-bodied, smooth Pinot that finishes long and smooth. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

La Crema 2007 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley ($38). I particularly liked this one, with its deep black cherry and plum character and elegant, interesting floral and black tea aromatics, and dusty cocoa notes on the lingering finish. Medium- to full-bodied, velvety smooth, structured but not heavy. Ready to drink now but should age nicely for six or seven years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

La Crema 2007 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley ($50). Lovely, with delicate, bright mixed berry and cherry character, and accents of light spice, dried lavender and coffee that linger on the long, complex, medium-bodied finish. Stays bright and pretty from beginning to end. Should age nicely for 5+ years, but is delicious right now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

To learn more about La Crema, click here!