“I enjoy producing a product that represents the quality in life,” says Melissa Stackhouse, winemaker at La Crema. “It’s an enjoyable thing; it reminds us to slow down and enjoy the moment.”
La Crema has been producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay since 1979. Today, it offers five different Pinot Noirs: Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, Los Carneros, Anderson Valley and 9 Barrel (a limited offering of the best of the best). It also has three Chardonnays (one a 9 Barrel as well), a Syrah and a Viognier. Last, it makes a small amount of Pinot Noir Rosé (the 2007’s release date is this Mother’s Day—hey, there’s your gift idea, but you have to go to the Healdsburg tasting room to get it), which is a crisp, warm weather wine that, according to Stackhouse, is “great for picnics and is ‘salavacious.’” Salavacious: I think she just came up with the new word that isn’t a word, but should be.
NorthBay biz readers have recognized La Crema’s wines in the past, but this year it’s all about the Pinot. “The 2006 vintage is very vibrant in fruit. Color-wise, it’s a bit lighter, but it’s not lighter in flavor at all—it’s explosive in the mouth,” says Stackhouse. “It’s different than 2005, which was more burly, darker and with a kiss of rural.” She describes the 2006 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (its largest production) as having elements of cherry, floral notes and spice on the nose, followed by more cherry, plum, orange peel flavors and a mouth-watering jamminess with balanced acidity and a long finish.
When asked what makes a perfect Pinot, she’s quick to point out that “perfection” is subject to who’s doing the tasting. But she does say she wants an elegant wine that encompasses Pinot Noir’s classic characteristics: its vexing, floral nature and its intrinsic balance.
Right now, you can get your hands on the 2005 and 2006 vintages, but you’ll have to wait a bit for the 2007. “The 2007 vintage was really great,” says Stackhouse. “Very even, no dramas. Its fruit expression is really good, very concentrated. We’re just now doing the blends.” Patience, people. Patience.
