Pioneering Russian River winery introduces new variety to its portfolio of cool-climate wines
WINDSOR, Calif. (September 3, 2024) – La Crema Winery is excited to release its inaugural Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, a new variety for the acclaimed producer of cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Focused on cultivating the best sites across the West Coast, this latest expansion to the La Crema portfolio represents an opportunity to champion the region’s Cabernet category, as La Crema has done for emerging Sonoma regions and varieties for over four decades. The 2022 La Crema Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon ($45 SRP) is available for purchase in stores and online nationwide.
La Crema Winemakers Craig McAllister and Lisa Valtenbergs worked together to craft the first vintage of the Cabernet Sauvignon. McAllister has served as La Crema’s Head Winemaker since 2017 and Valtenbergs joined La Crema in 2022, bringing with her a rich legacy of producing highly acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon.
“Rooted in our expertise with cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, La Crema has always embraced exploration and expansion,” says McAllister. “This quest has enriched our portfolio with the addition of Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc, and now, we proudly introduce our latest venture: Cabernet Sauvignon. Each variety, sourced from distinct vineyards, is a testament to our commitment to producing uniquely expressive and elegant wines.”
La Crema’s Cabernet Sauvignon is composed of mountain and valley fruit from carefully selected, sustainably farmed vineyard blocks across Alexander Mountain, Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Bennet Valley. The mountain fruit creates a concentrated wine, while fruit from the valley floor contributes to the smooth, softened texture. Integration of a small percentage of Merlot and Petit Verdot distinguishes the flavor profile which contains inviting notes of red fruit, cocoa nibs and chai spice.
“In creating La Crema’s Cabernet Sauvignon, we applied Pinot Noir philosophies to Cabernet Sauvignon, employing a gentler winemaking approach,” says Valtenbergs. “The winemaking process included lighter toast profiles in the oak, lower fermentation temperatures and reduced pump over times than typically used with Cabernet Sauvignon to not over-extract and create an inviting Cabernet Sauvignon that is elegant and approachable. Because of the fruit forward style, this is a wine that is intended for early consumption but is structured enough that it will age beautifully for 5-10 years.”
La Crema’s first foray into Bordeaux-style varieties, its Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc, has brought new consumers to the category – 56% of shoppers that purchased La Crema Sauvignon Blanc in 2023 had not purchased Sauvignon Blanc at all in 2022.1 Consumer data shows Cabernet Sauvignon is the #1 On-Premise Item and #1 Variety consumed by Millennial wine drinkers.2 Currently, Cabernet Sauvignon is the second most purchased variety among La Crema shoppers.3
“By introducing this new variety to the portfolio, La Crema is setting out to appeal to younger wine drinkers and draw Pinot lovers to the Cabernet category,” continues Valtenbergs. “La Crema Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon meets an increasing consumer desire for elegant, supple and approachable styles of this variety.”
To find the wine at a retailer near you, please use the La Crema store locator. To learn more, please visit www.lacrema.com or follow La Crema on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @LaCremaWines.
About La Crema
Our original name, La Crema Viñera, means “best of the vine,” setting an indelible standard for the family owned and operated winery since our inception in 1979. La Crema wines are produced from the world’s preeminent growing regions, resulting in an uncompromised level of quality that is always promised and always delivered. We set the standard for quality-driven winemaking at scale, and cutting-edge practices for sustainable resource conservancy and protection. Across our past, present and looking to the future, La Crema represents life, enriched. We have a shared belief in elevating the lives of those around us, leading with openness, allyship, and a high regard for involvement and investment in organizations that our communities value. We are committed to amplifying the spirit of progress, celebrating individuality, and creating a world that gathers to celebrate the Best of Us.
