La Crema Monterey Chardonnay

La Crema Monterey Chardonnay is a 100% Chardonnay from Monterey County, California, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2018 vintage earned 90 points and an Editors' Choice designation from Wine Enthusiast critic Matt Kettmann, and separately received a Gold Medal at The Global Masters competition — recognition that underscores the consistency of this cool-climate expression.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Monterey County, California  |  Varietal: 100% Chardonnay  |  Producer: La Crema Winery

Production & Heritage

La Crema Winery was founded in 1979 in Sonoma County with a focus on cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from California's premier appellations. The Monterey County bottling draws fruit from vineyards influenced by maritime fog and persistent winds funneling through the Salinas Valley, conditions that preserve natural acidity during a long growing season. Fermentation takes place in oak barrels, where the lees are hand-stirred twice monthly — a labor-intensive technique called bâtonnage that builds creamy mid-palate weight without overwhelming the fruit. The wine then ages in a combination of oak barrels and stainless-steel tanks, balancing richness with bright citrus-driven freshness.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Grilled pineapple and Meyer lemon emerge first, followed by citrus blossom, tangerine zest, and ripe papaya. A subtle layer of blanched almond and barrel spice sits beneath the tropical aromatics.

Taste: The entry is bright with key lime and candied lemon before the mid-palate opens into white peach, honeydew melon, and lush apricot. Bâtonnage-driven creaminess carries flavors of buttered apple and lemon glaze, while a thread of river stone minerality and gentle beeswax adds dimension through the back palate.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering caramel, soft oak spice, and a clean citrus lift. The acidity stays present through the close, keeping the finish refreshing rather than heavy.

How to Drink La Crema Monterey Chardonnay

Slightly chilled — around 50–55°F — lets the tropical aromatics open while keeping the acidity taut. A standard white wine glass with a moderate bowl concentrates the citrus blossom and stone fruit without trapping too much oak.

• White Wine Spritzer: The wine's natural acidity and tropical character hold up well against sparkling water and a citrus twist.
• Classic White Sangria: Pear and stone fruit notes make it a natural base when combined with sliced peaches, green apple, and a splash of brandy.
• Chardonnay Aperol Spritz variation: Substituting this Chardonnay for prosecco creates a richer, fruit-forward take on the popular aperitivo.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners featuring roasted chicken or seafood pasta
• Hosting a casual wine tasting comparing California Chardonnay styles
• Gifting someone exploring cool-climate California whites
• Summer entertaining on a patio or at an outdoor gathering

Frequently Asked Questions

What does La Crema Monterey Chardonnay taste like? It leads with bright citrus and tropical fruit — key lime, white peach, grilled pineapple — layered over a creamy mid-palate of buttered apple, honeydew melon, and gentle oak spice. A mineral backbone and fresh acidity keep it balanced rather than overly buttery.

How does La Crema Monterey Chardonnay compare to Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay? Both are widely available California Chardonnays in a similar price bracket, but La Crema's Monterey bottling leans more tropical and mineral-driven thanks to the cooler Monterey County growing conditions. Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve tends toward riper stone fruit and a rounder mouthfeel from its multi-appellation sourcing across California.

Is La Crema Monterey Chardonnay good for sipping on its own? Yes — the balance of creamy texture, bright acidity, and layered fruit make it approachable enough on its own, especially when served lightly chilled. It does not require food to show well.

Where is La Crema Monterey Chardonnay made? La Crema Winery, founded in 1979 in Sonoma County, California, sources the fruit for this bottling from vineyards in Monterey County along the central California coast. The maritime-influenced Salinas Valley provides the cool growing conditions that define the wine's bright acidity and tropical aromatics.

What foods pair well with La Crema Monterey Chardonnay? Roasted or grilled chicken benefits from the wine's creamy weight and citrus acidity. Seared scallops or shrimp scampi mirror its buttery texture. Mild, creamy cheeses like Brie or Gruyère complement the oak spice. Crab cakes match the mineral undertone, and Thai coconut curry finds balance against the tropical fruit and fresh acid.

What sizes does La Crema Monterey Chardonnay come in? It is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle, and 375ml half-bottles may be found in select markets.

Is La Crema Monterey Chardonnay worth the price? It positions as a mid-range California Chardonnay that consistently over-delivers — the 90-point Wine Enthusiast Editors' Choice and multiple Gold Medals place it among the strongest values in its tier. The hand-stirred lees fermentation technique adds a textural complexity typically found in pricier single-vineyard bottlings.

Why La Crema Monterey Chardonnay?

The hand bâtonnage performed twice monthly during barrel fermentation is the defining production choice here — it gives the wine a creamy, almost tactile richness that separates it from the many stainless-steel-fermented Chardonnays at this price point. Monterey County's cool, fog-swept vineyards provide naturally high-acid fruit, which acts as a structural counterweight to that oak-derived weight. The 2018 vintage's 90-point Editors' Choice from Wine Enthusiast and a Gold Medal at The Global Masters confirm that this is not simply a mass-market Chardonnay coasting on brand recognition. For drinkers looking for tropical intensity held in check by genuine minerality and acid, this Monterey bottling represents one of the more reliable options on the shelf.