La Crema, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2018

 Rod Berglund created La Crema Viñera in 1979 with a group of friends who invested in his endeavor.  His vision was to make single vineyard, cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.  His mentors included Joseph Swan and André André Tchelistcheff.  His wines were well received and inspired others, but marketing conditions were not in his favor.  In 1984, the winery was sold. Berglund married Swan’s daughter, Lynn, in 1986, and helped Swan with his last harvest in 1987.  Joseph Swan died in early 1989 and Lynn and Rod Burglund continue to operate the winery.  Jess Jackson took up Berglund’s mission in 1993, shortening the name to La Crema and focusing on cool spots in the Russian River Valley. The winery is now located in the beautiful Saralee’s Vineyard in Russian River and La Crema winemaker Craig McAllister invited founder Rod Berglund to join him in creating this wine to celebrate 40 years.   The grapes come from several estate vineyards including Bellflower, Piner, Saralee’s, Seascape and Ross.  It is a tantalizing wine with ruby red color and pretty cherry, raspberry aromas with a hint of floral notes and dried roses.  In the mouth its svelte structure supports layered flavors of black cherry, blood orange, rose and a touch of fresh herbs.  The acidity is mouthwatering, and the tannins are fine grained, encouraging flavors to linger while you experience the harmony of the elements coming together.