The 2024 La Crema Monterey Chardonnay is an elegant Californian white wine from Monterey County on California’s Central Coast, produced by La Crema, a winery recognised for its expressive cool-climate wines. Influenced by the cooling breezes and coastal fog from Monterey Bay, the region provides favourable conditions for Chardonnay to develop ripe fruit flavours while retaining refreshing acidity. Its aromatic profile suggests juicy white peach, ripe pear, golden apple and fresh pineapple, complemented by delicate notes of lemon blossom, vanilla, toasted hazelnut and subtle baking spice.
On the palate, it is expected to be medium-bodied with a smooth, creamy texture and balanced acidity. Flavours of ripe nectarine, baked apple, Meyer lemon and tropical pineapple unfold alongside hints of vanilla, toasted almond, butter and gentle oak spice. Its generous orchard-fruit character is complemented by refreshing citrus notes, creating a harmonious Chardonnay with richness, freshness and refined complexity. The finish is rounded and persistent, leaving lingering impressions of stone fruit, creamy citrus and delicate toasted oak.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is an excellent choice for customers who appreciate Californian Chardonnay with ripe fruit flavours, a creamy texture and subtle oak complexity. The 2024 La Crema Monterey Chardonnay offers an appealing expression of Monterey’s cool coastal vineyards, combining generous stone fruit with citrus freshness and a beautifully rounded palate. Best enjoyed between 2026 and 2030 to appreciate its fruit character and balanced structure. Serve lightly chilled at approximately 10–12°C to highlight its aromatic richness and smooth texture. Particularly well suited to roast chicken with garlic butter, grilled salmon, creamy seafood pasta, pan-seared scallops, mushroom risotto, lobster with lemon butter or roasted cauliflower with parmesan.
