The winery's 2007 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, which includes fruit from La Crema's estate Annapolis vineyard, is all cherry and plum, full of vivid fruit and silky tannins. Its Monterey Pinot Noir, the first vintage of which is the 2007, is more savory, first showing a taste of herbs before delivering notes of strawberry - a more dirt-driven wine, as Stackhouse herself puts it.

Wine Country recipe Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Harissa paired with the spicy aromatic 2007 La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.

A fresh and relatively high-toned nose of raspberry and cranberry with a hint of crushed herb leads to delicious, fresh and vibrant light to middle weight flavors that possess good balance and fine length if somewhat limited depth. Still, for the SRP, this offers fine value and is worth a look in that context as there is no obvious warmth and the balance is better than any number of more expensive offerings.

Moderately tannic, fruity wines like California Pinot Noir pair well with rich sauces. Try the 2007 La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir.

La Crema specializes in pinot noir, so it isn't surprising that this wine is a class act. One of several appellation-specific pinot noirs it makes, the Russian River Valley version has great spice. Silky tannins, rich black cherry flavors.

A complex, elegant pinot with a soft texture. Aromas and flavors of strawberry, cherry, vanilla and toast. Wild and bramble. Good tannin. Long Finish.

Pinot Noir is one of California's increasingly strong suits, although quality at the right price can be hard to come by. Within that category I would include the smooth-textured and subtly oaked 2006 La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.

This Pinot is all about cherries: scented red cherry at the outset, then a spicy, satisfying red cherry flavor marked by a hint of soil-scented earthiness in the finish.

Rhone-like, with earthy, smoky notes. Aromas and flavors of black cherry, plum, cola and spice. Has good depth.

Inky dark with rich, soft fruit and mineral flavors.

La Crema is one of a growing list of Russian River wineries producing tasty, distinctive Pinot Noir. This wine shows the inviting cherry-berry and spice side of Pinot, with medium to full (but not over-ripe) fruit and good length. Of note is the wine's excellent structure and supple finish. 92 points.

88 La Crema 2004 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley); The best, most complex of La Crema's three appellation series Pinot Noirs shows true Russian River character. It's medium-to full-bodied, with oak-tinged cherry compote, root beer and cocoa flavors. Tannic weight could help it improve for a couple of years. -- S.H.

This is a very toasty style with a hint of new shoe leather on the nose, yet the ripe black cherry and raspberry fruit shines through, with hints of spice and tar. It finishes with coating tannins and racy acidity.

Rich and elegant. A big, juicy pinot. Aromas and flavors of cherry, chocolate and coffee. A toasty finish.

La Crema (Los Carneros) 2004, Very Good - Great fruit, with charming, ripe flavors and real brightness. We also liked the less-expensive 2004 'Sonoma Coast' bottling.

The color of this bad boy is light to medium ruby, while the nose is a blend of ripe fruit, boiled tea and leather. It has dry, medium flavors, and is a bit light on the lush supple fruit you want from Pinot Noir. There is some heat in the finish. It is hard to tell if this wine, made from organically grown grapes, is serious or not, but for the price, it should be. 90 points.

87 La Crema 2004 Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley). There's a bit of leathery funk, for those who like that, to the cherry, cocoa cola and spice flavors of this dry, silky wine. It's a little soft, with a smooth, polished texture that makes it easy to drink. -- S.H.

TWO STARS 2004 La Crema Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. The somewhat plush but reticent cherry, red raspberry nose sits atop sweet and mildly smoky oak. This isn't a big win, but has sufficient cherry-berry fruit to balance the supple, somewhat velvety feel of a clean, quaffable Pinot Noir.

The Best Affordable Wines to Snap Up and Drink Now The cooling influences of the pacific is evident throughout this smooth, silky wine. Pronounced fruit aromas entwine with a touch of creaminess on the nose while bright strawberry and other red fruit flavours from the backbone of a delicately balanced palate. Up to 2 years.

Elegant, subtle aromas. Juicy, ripe, rich palate. Tannins provide structure with acidity carrying flavours to long length. Up to five years.

Intense aromas and ripe, almost jammy flavors of blackberry, plum and brown spice, sweet vanilla, hints of toast and licorice; a big, juicy, very ripe style.

An elegant wine with a velvety texture. Aromas and flavors of black cherry, plum, strawberry, cola, nutmeg and orange peel. Firm tannins. Balanced. Long finish.

A ripe pinot, with complex flavors of concentrated cola, cherry, mint and eucalyptus. Lean texture. Tasty with turkey.