la Crema Russian River Pinot Noir

La Crema's Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is a 13.5% ABV bottling from one of California's best-known cool-climate Pinot appellations. Russian River Valley sits in Sonoma County and gets its character from Pacific fog that rolls in through the Petaluma Gap, so grapes ripen slowly and keep their acidity. The reference notes describe a balance of fruitiness and earthiness. In wines from this area, that usually means red cherry, raspberry and cranberry fruit, with forest-floor, tea leaf or light spice notes alongside. Treat these as the expected profile for the style, not a measured tasting note for this bottle. Expect a medium-bodied red with silky, fine-grained tannins and fresh, mouth-watering acidity. At this modest alcohol level, ripe fruit comes through without heaviness. Pinot Noir from this region is often aged in French oak. When oak is present, it usually shows as soft vanilla, baking spice or a little toast that sits behind the fruit. The finish tends to be medium in length, with the red fruit fading into an earthy, slightly savory note. Salmon, especially roasted or cedar-planked, is a classic match, because the wine's acidity and low tannin won't overpower the fish. Duck breast, roast chicken, pork tenderloin and mushroom dishes such as risotto or a mushroom tart suit the earthy side of the wine. Soft cheeses like brie, and nutty ones like Gruyère, also pair well. Avoid heavily spiced or very rich red-meat dishes, since they can drown out the wine's delicate fruit. Serve it lightly cooled, at roughly 55 to 60°F. Around 30 minutes in the refrigerator is usually enough to bring it down from room temperature. Decanting isn't necessary for a Pinot of this style, though 15 to 20 minutes in the glass will open up the aromas. Use a large-bowled, tulip-shaped Burgundy glass, which concentrates the delicate perfume and gives the fruit room to open. Wines like this are generally meant to be enjoyed within a few years of release, while the fruit is bright and fresh. Drink it now rather than planning on long cellaring.