Infographic: A Tour of West Coast Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir has a reputation as a “sensitive” grape. As the character Miles famously opines in the movie Sideways, it’s “thin-skinned, temperamental [and] ripens early.” Like all sensitive souls, the variety is strongly imprinted by its surroundings. Part of Pinot Noir’s allure is that its flavors and aromas change dramatically depending on where it’s grown. One bottle might be pale and light-bodied—a delicate wisp of a wine with fresh, tart flavors. The next will offer mouth-filling power and richness. In the best examples, notes of flowers, herbs, earth and spice inflect the wine’s red fruit flavors and, by their presence or absence, give clues to its origins.

The regional differences among Pinot Noir offerings are so pronounced that experts can often identify a Pinot’s origin without even tasting it. A glance at the wine’s color and a good sniff of its aromas is sometimes enough.

As Pinot Noir specialists (or, perhaps, obsessives), our winemaking team uses grapes from top Pinot zones up and down the West Coast. Our lineup offers a taste of place where each reflects the unique characteristics of its home.

While there are other regions that grow Pinot Noir on the West Coast, we’ve highlighted key facts and tasting notes for the AVAs we source our wines from in this easy, digestible infographic. If you’re looking for more information, head to the winegrowing regions page, and don’t forget to shop our Pinots too!

Enjoy!

Exploring La Crema’s Wines By Region 

La Crema’s wines are deeply connected to the regions they come from, and each bottle offers something unique to discover. Going beyond just Pinot Noir, learn more about the distinct styles and flavors shaped by each of our growing regions. 

Willamette Valley

With its cool climate and long growing season, the Willamette Valley is Pinot paradise. La Crema’s Willamette Valley Pinot Noir brims with juicy raspberry, tart cranberry, and a pop of orange zest, all wrapped in silky tannins with a whisper of cedar. It’s the kind of vibrant, savory Pinot that just begs for a cozy night and a hearty, herb-crusted roast. 

Anderson Valley 

Tucked between towering redwoods and the Pacific coast, Anderson Valley is a cool-climate gem that yields beautifully expressive wines. The Anderson Valley Pinot Noir charms with juicy raspberry, cranberry, and plum flavors, with a whisper of forest floor and exotic spice—like a walk through the woods in a glass. La Crema’s Anderson Valley Chardonnay is a vibrant, layered white bursting with citrus, stone fruit, and a kiss of oak, perfect for seafood or a sunny afternoon.  

Sonoma Coast

On the rugged Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir vines battle fierce fog and wind to produce wines of stunning elegance. The Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir dazzles with layers of raspberry, cherry, and boysenberry, lifted by hints of black licorice, cocoa nib, and exotic tea. It’s bright, expressive, and built for long, leisurely dinners.  La Crema’s Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is crisp and vibrant, with notes of lemon, nectarine, and subtle oak spice—like sunshine in a glass.  

Russian River Valley

Famous for its morning mists and ideal Pinot Noir conditions, the Russian River Valley delivers rich, unforgettable wines. La Crema’s Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is lush and layered, full of juicy red cherry, raspberry, and hints of rose petal and spice—silky yet bold in all the right ways. Their Russian River Valley Chardonnay is a vibrant, luxurious white, with aromas of white peach and green pear, flavors of apple and lemon curd, and a creamy finish kissed by vanilla custard. Together, they’re a delicious snapshot of this iconic region. 

Los Carneros

Where cool winds meet rolling hills, Los Carneros is a sweet spot for beautifully balanced wines. The Los Carneros Pinot Noir is plush and savory, layering black cherry, pomegranate, cocoa nibs, and a whisper of sweet tobacco for a mouthwatering, silky sip.  La Crema’s Los Carneros Chardonnay is fresh and lively, brimming with bright citrus, green apple, and a creamy, toasty finish that’s pure elegance in a glass. Both wines capture the cool-climate magic of this special region.  

Monterey County

With its cool coastal breezes and dramatic microclimates, Monterey is a playground for fresh, expressive wines. For classic lovers, the Monterey Pinot Noir brings juicy raspberry, boysenberry, and pomegranate together with earthy black tea and spice for a plush, textured finish. Monterey really knows how to show off.La Crema’s Monterey Pinot Gris is crisp and aromatic, bursting with notes of lemon, melon, and wet stone minerality—perfect for sunny afternoons. Their Monterey Chardonnay layers juicy citrus and tropical fruits over a creamy texture for a bright, vibrant sip. The Monterey Pinot Noir Rosé is a lively, fruit-forward beauty, offering waves of strawberry, pink grapefruit, and subtle minerality.  

Arroyo Seco

Tucked into the cooler pockets of Monterey County, Arroyo Seco crafts wines with a vibrant, fresh energy. The Arroyo Seco Pinot Noir is a juicy, plush beauty, with layers of pomegranate, rhubarb, black tea, and just a whisper of earthiness—perfect for a cozy dinner or a laid-back evening with friends. La Crema’s Arroyo Seco Chardonnay is a lively expression, full of Meyer lemon, white peach, and hints of toasted hazelnut, finishing crisp and clean.  

Discover Your Perfect Pour with La Crema 

At La Crema, every bottle tells the story of where it comes from—whether it’s the misty mornings of the Russian River Valley, the rugged coastline of Sonoma, or the windswept hills of Los Carneros. Each wine captures the unique beauty of its region, shaped by the climate, soil, and character of the land. Across our collection, you’ll find a stunning range of styles, from crisp, mineral-driven whites to lush, expressive Pinot Noirs, all crafted with the same passion and care. 

Whether you’re stocking up for special occasions or simply looking to elevate everyday moments, there’s a La Crema wine ready to pour something memorable into your glass. Shop all wines and discover the full spectrum of flavor and craftsmanship.