La Crema Chardonnay 2004

The La Crema winery, founded in 1979, is an established specialist in intensely flavoured Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the cool Sonoma Coast. Unlike many wineries in the region, La Crema does not have large tourist facilities and is not open to the public. It is a small top-end family estate that gets on with the job of handcrafting fine wines, barrel by barrel.

Fermented and aged in new French oak, the 2004 is just coming into its own. It shows the ripeness and balance of a fabulous vintage with smooth, unobtrusive oak flavours thanks to the skills of winemaker Melissa Stackhouse.

Fresh aromas of citrus, butterscotch and lemon peel with hints of jasmine and nutmeg. In the mouth it's rich and buttery with pear and citrus fruit plus toast and caramel richness and a long, lingering finish.