We share one of the great stories in California wine today. It was back in the 1970s that Calera founder Josh Jensen was exploring Europe, and decided to work a harvest at famed winery Romanée-Conti. Josh was inspired to make great Pinot Noir in California and 1974, he purchased land located on steep slopes of Mount Harlan, a 3,278-foot peak in the Gavilan Mountains that divide Monterey and San Benito counties. Josh founded Calera in 1975 and p[anted his three estate vineyards: Jensen, Reed and Selleck. Josh achieved incredible critical acclaim for his Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.
In 2017 Calera was sold to the Duckhorn wine group as Josh noted that Calera was his “life work.” The winery itself is located in Hollister, and boasts sweeping views of the Diablo Mountain Range. An incredible talent, winemaker Mike Waller previously worked as assistant winemaker at storied property Chalone, before coming to Calera. Mike has served as head winemaker for more than a decade now. I loved the new 2021 Calera ‘Jensen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 97) which is one of the most outstanding wines from this house that I have tasted. Learn more about these outstanding new wines at https://www.calerawine.com Here are the great new releases by Calera.
2021 Calera ‘Jensen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 ‘Jensen Vineyard’ comes from this site that I set at 2200 feet on limestone soils and Calera clones with St. George rootstock. Stored for 18 months in 30% new French oak, this is refined and elegant on the mouth with a pillowy texture. Rich strawberry and guava fruit flavor single well with salty and stony soils on the palate, with soy sauce accents giving this a very savory edge. This is going to cellar beautifully for decades. Drink 2024-2042- 97
2021 Calera ‘Reed Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The Reed Vineyard is an old site that is set on limestone soils and was first planted in 1975 with a northern facing aspect. Stored for 18 months in only 30% new French oak, this offers good concentration, loaded with bright red fruits that parade with stony minerals, Mandarin orange zest and suggestions of Earl Grey tea on the palate. Finishing long, enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2024-2042- 96
2021 Calera ‘de Villiers Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The beautiful 2021 Calera ‘de Villiers Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes chris site that is set on a blend of rootstocks utilizing Calera clone Pinot Noir. Stored in 30% new French oak for 18 months, this delivers a beautiful combination of weight, verve and stony soil profile on the palate. Tart cranberry and red cherry collide with stony soils and suggestions of black tea on the palate. Really rich and refined, with a terrific sense of tension and terroir, this beauty has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2024-2042- 96