La Crema

Founded in 1979 by Rob Berglund, La Crema had a chequered ownership history, only stabilising when sisters Laura Jackson-Giron and Jennifer Jackson took control. From the beginning La Crema specialised in Burgundian varietals and built a formidable reputation for the elegance and quality of the wines. Craig McAllister, a New Zealander by birth, joined the La Crema team in 2009 and became head winemaker in 2017. His long apprenticeship ensures a continuity of quality and style. With the exception of a Pinot Gris and a Syrah, the production is still Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with bottlings made from each of the top five cool coastal AVA’s. The Monterey wines are very luscious but also have a vital acidity and a savoury edge.