Winemaker Notes
On the nose, blackberry, raspberry, red cherry, and molasses. On the palate, plum and pomegranate are complemented by subtle hints of tea. A vibrant acidity and integrated tannins all combine for a generous mouthfeel and long, balanced finish.
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
Tremendous energy is conveyed through a guiding light of spiced cher- rywood and notes of tea leaves and flint. Rich and concentrated, with a hint of smoked cedar on the finish. The grapes come from neighboring estate vineyards in the Santa Rosa Plains region of the Russian River Valley. 94
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Jeb Dunnuck
A deeper magenta/ruby color, the 2021 Pinot Noir Fog Veil comes from the three neighboring vineyards of Barbieri, Bellflower, and Piner. One of the warmer areas La Crema picks from, the wine takes on deeper aromatic notes of black cherries, turned earth, and root beer spice, with a hint of blue fruit shing through. Leaning toward full-bodied in terms of its expansive feel, it has ripe tannins, good richness throughout, and a structured, ripe feel. It’s a richer style to enjoy over the next 6-8 years.
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Wine Spectator
Steeped boysenberry and mulberry fruit is succulent and focused in this vivid and fresh version, while light notes of anise, hibiscus and singed black tea fill in through the finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
This is lavishly textured and fruit-driven Pinot Noir. Raspberry and plum aromas drive the nose, while the palate adds flavors of tart cherry, cocoa powder, orange peel and sandalwood. The finish is broad and grippy, with plenty of tannin for longer-term aging.
While the Russian River Valley is a large appellation with multiple climate zones and soil types, it is best known for cool-climate varieties, with Pinot Noir as the most celebrated. The grapes benefit from a reliable late afternoon flow of Pacific Ocean fog through the Petaluma Gap and along the Russian River Valley that ensures slow and steady ripening and the preservation of grape acidity. Today many of California’s most highly regarded Pinot Noir vineyards are in the Russian River Valley, along with its sub-appellation, Green Valley.
Historically Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs had bright red fruit and delicate earthy, mineral notes. But changes in viticultural and winemaking practices have led to stylistic changes in some of the region’s wines. Adjustments to canopy management, among other techniques, have resulted in riper fruit and bolder wines as well. These show flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice and darker, loamy earth tones, accenting traditional Pinot Noir notes of strawberry, raspberry and light cherry.