La Crema Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2021

La Crema Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2021 is a captivating and elegant wine that showcases the remarkable terroir of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Crafted by the skilled hands of Winemaker Samantha Poehlman, this vintage is a true representation of the region’s ability to strike a perfect balance between New World and Old World expressions.

The wine’s enticing color draws you in with its brilliant ruby hue, hinting at the vibrant and rich flavors that await. As you bring the glass to your nose, the aroma envelops your senses, offering savory notes of violets that intertwine with an alluring blend of ripe raspberries, tangy cranberries, and the zest of oranges. This delightful bouquet sets the stage for the delightful experience to come.

Upon the first sip, your palate is greeted with a burst of bright fruit flavors, led by juicy raspberries and complemented by the delightful tartness of cranberry and the subtle citrusy twist of orange zest. These initial fruit notes are beautifully balanced and framed by the wine’s supple tannins, which lend a velvety texture to the mouthfeel.

As the tasting journey continues, La Crema’s Willamette Valley Pinot Noir unveils its layers of complexity. A touch of cedar emerges, adding a pleasing earthy quality that intertwines with the fruit flavors. This intriguing combination adds depth and length to the wine, leaving a lasting impression that lingers on the palate.

Crafted from exceptional grapes sourced from nine vineyards and six sub-appellations within the Willamette Valley, this wine is a testament to the outstanding 2021 vintage. Despite challenging weather patterns, the grapes flourished, resulting in a crop with concentrated flavors and retained juicy acidity, ultimately contributing to the wine’s impressive character.

The artisan winemaking process further enhances the wine’s quality, with hand-picked and hand-sorted fruit meticulously treated to preserve its essence. The use of gentle de-stemming and partial whole cluster fermentation adds complexity to the final blend. A cold soak at a precise temperature brings out the finest attributes of the grapes, and the open-top tank fermentation allows for a controlled cap manipulation, ensuring optimal extraction of flavors. After fermentation, the wine is aged in new and used French oak barrels, where it gains additional depth and complexity before the final blending process.

La Crema Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2021 is an exquisite representation of the region’s best cool-climate appellations, and it stands as a testament to the winery’s dedication to crafting exceptional wines. With its beautiful aromas, delightful fruit flavors, and graceful tannins, this Pinot Noir promises a truly memorable and satisfying experience for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.