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.

Zesty black cherry, spice.

From one of Sonoma County's best pinot noir producers, this La Crema packs a lot of raspberry fruit with additional notes of nutmeg and spice on the finish. A wonderfully fruity wine with lots of class and complexity.

Jammy, sweet & lush /dark spice; cranberry, rose petal nose w/black pepper, spice, deep berry fruit; moderate tannin; rich, soft, lush in the mouth.

A core of cherry fruit with a good dollop of oak. Notes of ginger and orange peel.

...more distinctive with herbal, strawberry and raspberry tones...they are fascinating in that even though they are above 14 percent alcohol, they are lighter in color than many of the other French clone pinot noirs, and yet more deeply flavored.

Ripe, moderately fruity and graced with an attractive streak of lightly toasty oak, this ripe and fairly sizeable Pinot wanders to dryness in the mouth and is betrayed at the finish by a bit more heat than it can comfortably support.

...is more herbal and complex, but slightly less succulent...they are fascinating in that even though they are above 14 percent alcohol, they are lighter in color than many of the other French clone pinot noirs, and yet more deeply flavored.