2004 La Crema Pinot Noir

[robr]

This one is from Sonoma. Can anyone tell me if it's ready, or does it need a few years? At only two years old (almost) it seems too young. I paid $20.

Thanks,

Bern

[hotwine]

It's ready to go on release. Local Costco price is about $15.

[robr]

Thanks again HW. I'll pop it directly. As much as I love Cabernet Sauvignon, there's nothing like a good Pinot Noir.

[robr]

I just opened it and had my first glass. I think this is what Pinot Noir is supposed to taste like.

Raspberry and black currant, nice long finish, just the mearest hint of oak at the end. Superb, and it won't break you to buy two or more bottles!

[This message has been edited by bernkastler (edited 10-03-2005).]

[wondersofwine]

I think my usual grocery store carries it. Will check it out.

[wondersofwine]

They had this very wine by the glass at Carraba's Italian Grill where I dined Wednesday to participate in a Katrina Relief fundraiser. I had it with a veal piccata with side pasta dish and a salad with artichoke hearts, roasted red bell pepper strips, feta cheese encrusted in crushed hazelnut, mixed field greens, etc.
Dark crimson color, almost opaque. Cherry/berry enticing fragrance. Cherries spiced with pepper on the palate. Balanced, integrated, fruity. Long finish. I like this and definitely will see if the grocery store has it.

[Innkeeper]

Used to enjoy this wine a couple of lifetimes ago; then they fell off our chart. Glad to hear they are back.

[winoweenie]

To add a small note of interst maybe. La Crema was fopunded by Rod Berglund, Joe Swans' son-in-law and current winemaker, in a small industrial park in Petaluma. Made some killer kick-patootie juice and had many a marvy mornings tasting with him. The funniest thing I ever experienced was when Rod found a barrel of Chardonnay that had been buried for 5 or 6 years. He swore when he took the bung out the wine tried to crawl out of the barrel. Aptly named Gonzo, this wasn't for the faint of heart. Took my breath away. Not to be confused with an Aussie Chard. WW

[Kcwhippet]

Praise for a SW? I'm aghast, WW.

[winoweenie]

MEENY, MEENY cases agost ole' buddie. WW [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]

[jmcginley1]

I prefer their Anderson Valley bottling over the Sonoma Coast typically. Both good values, with the Sonoma Coast being lighter (and a bit cheaper too). Very typical Pinots. Orange rimmed, and cherries everywhere.

[winoweenie]

Had this at lunch yestersday at one of our better fishie jernts. Lovely nose with some body in evidence with loads of red fruits, sweet spices, and a tad of barnsey-yardley. Had with mesquite broiled wild King Salmon. Dynamite pairing. 90. 35 at the restaurant. WW

[This message has been edited by winoweenie (edited 10-07-2006).]