Calera Central Coast Pinot Noir

Calera is one of California’s greatest pioneer producers. Founded in 1974 by Josh Jensen, who took his cue from the great domaines of Burgundy in his quest for the perfect terroir, Calera quickly established a stellar record for producing wonderful Pinot Noir in the Gavilan Mountains west of Chalone in what is now known as the Mt. Harlan AVA. Calera continued its innovative run through the 1980s, when it was one of the first wineries in California to plant Viognier, up to today with the most recent addition of the planting of Aligoté. Certified organic, the 31-hectare estate is located at high elevations (2200 feet above sea level on average) and produces several single vineyard pinot noirs as well as Chardonnay, Viognier, Aligoté and Central Coast blends. Over the past four decades, Jensen and his team have acquired a reputation for their consistently excellent, internationally recognised wines.

Crafted using grapes from a handful of the finest vineyards on the Central Coast, this alluring wine offers enticing aromatics, soft, velvety tannins and vibrant fruit and spice. Native yeast open top fermentation. There was twice daily punch downs during fermentation, 100% destemmed. This wine has aged for 10 months in 100% French oak, 10% new.

This beautifully lush and supple Pinot Noir draws you in with inviting aromas of raspberry, dark cherry, dried sage and sweet tobacco leaf. On the palate, soft, supple tannins frame alluring layers of wild strawberry and Bing cherry, with hints of cracked black pepper and spice emerging on a long, satisfying finish.