La Crema Chardonnay 2020, Sonoma Coast, California

One of Sonoma County’s largest AVAs, the Sonoma Coast Appellation stretches from the San Pablo Bay in the South to Mendocino County line to the North and runs primarily along the mountainous coastline of the Pacifi c Ocean. A sprawling growing region, the Sonoma Coast AVA is known for its strong maritime influence that provides a cool growing climate throughout the year with fog moderating warmer summer temperatures. The fruit for this wine was sourced from several of La Crema’s estate vineyards including Saralee’s, Kelli Ann, and Durell. Soils across the vineyards are predominantly free draining and low vigor. Once picked the fruit is gently pressed and allowed to settle for 24 hours before being racked to oak barrels for fermentation. 15% of the barrels are initially co-inoculated with a house strain of malolactic bacteria which are later used to top off the remainder of the entire lot after primary fermentation is complete. The lees in each barrel are stirred once or twice a month to provide additional texture. The fi nished wine is aged on lees for 8 months before fi nal blending and bottling. Aromas of Meyer lemon, nectarine and Jasmine are followed by flavors of crisp green apple, tangerine and yellow plum. On the palate, the wine is concentrated and juicy with a lingering finish.