La Crema 2016 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley

La Crema has made its name by producing outstanding wines from the best regions in California for Burgundian varietal; Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Now they've branched out to the other stellar U.S. location for world class Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley. With estate vineyards in the Eola-Amity and Yamhill-Carlton AVA's they've been able to produce a wine that's La Crema style and quality but with the distinct fingerprint of the cool Willamette Valley. The 2016 harvest in the Willamette Valley was the earliest on record. Similar to the previous two outstanding vintages. Fruit was sourced from two of La Crema's estate vineyards; Gran Moraine vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA and Zena Crown vineyard in Eola-Amity Hills AVA. The grapes were hand-picked, hand-sorted and gently destemmed. The juice was cold-soaked for three days then fermented in open-top tanks and punched down 2-3 times per day during active fermentation. Post-fermentation free run was then transferred to tanks for one night of settling before racking to French oak barrels. The wine aged 9 months in 30% new French oak.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored this 91 points saying "What’s most notable for such a big production wine is that it was sourced entirely from two estate vineyards rather than assembled from purchased fruit. Supple flavors of berry, plum and baked cherry spread broadly across the palate, with highlights of cocoa and tobacco. The finish is smooth as silk."

the Wine Advocate scored it 91+ saying "Medium to deep ruby-purple in color, the 2016 Pinot Noir has an open, deep nose of black cherries, cassis, blueberry, blackberry and boysenberry jam with notes of spice, wood smoke, underbrush and earth. Medium-bodied, it packs in the ripe, dark blue and black fruits in the mouth with a soft frame of new oak spice and earthy nuances. It offers grainy tannins and juicy acidity, finishing long with sweet fruit and spice. This is a bigger, richer style, but it's very nicely done."

and Wine Spectator scored this 93 points saying "Expressive and well-structured, with lively and layered raspberry, violet and flint notes, finishing with refined tannins. Drink now through 2024."