Calera - Californian wines with a Burgundian soul
For 45 years, the wines of Calera have stood among the very best that California has to offer. Calera wines are nothing short of spectacular.
When Josh Jensen began farming Pinot Noir on a remote site in 1974, he was among only a handful of winemakers daring to coax the heartbreak grape to life in California. Now these wines from Mount Harlan are among California’s most coveted.
Mount Harlan possesses cool-climate growing conditions as well as limestone soils, a rare soil type in California and one for which Pinot Noir has a particular affinity.
Calera's Pinot Noirs, as well as their Chardonnay and Viognier, are compelling wines —must-haves for any student of Pinot Noir, or the serious collector.
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Calera de Villiers Vineyard Mount Harlan Pinot Noir 2016
VINTAGES#: 227504, $94.00 SHOP »»
"De Villiers was planted in 1997 on largely east-facing slopes high on Mt. Harlan. Josh Jensen used that fruit to produce this dark, smoky pinot noir. It quickly sheds its leather savor in favor of dark, burnished cherry spiced with pipe tobacco, cradled by oak but hardly dominated by it. Showing well now, it's built for the long haul. Score: 93 Pts." - wineandspirits.com, August 2019.
Calera Mount Harlan Viognier 2016
VINTAGES#: 968875, $54.00 SHOP »»
"The 2016 Viognier aged on the lees for 14 months in 60% neutral oak, 30% concrete vats and 10% stainless steel. It has delicate aromas on the nose: baker's yeast, sliced red pear, fresh apples and notes of hazelnuts, dried hay, saline and honeysuckle coming through with time. Medium-bodied, it has fresh, savory-laced flavors with juicy acidity and a long, textured finish. Drink date: 2020-2022. Score: 90 Pts." - Erin Brooks, robertparker.com, Feb. 6, 2020.
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In 2013, Josh Jensen was spotlighted by Wine Spectator as a Pinot Noir pioneer. The article details Josh Jensen’s story and his dream to make Burgundy-style Pinot Noirs in the remote mountains of central California. Overcoming many obstacles to establish the Calera winery and vineyards on Mt. Harlan, he is recognized for making Calera one of the top Pinot producers in California.
Learn more »»
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A master of Pinot Noir, known for his terroir-driven approach to winemaking, Mike Waller has worked alongside legendary vintner Josh Jensen for more than a decade, helping to guide winemaking at Calera.
Mike’s winemaking style honors the character and complexity of Calera’s six renowned sites on Mt. Harlan, which are the source for some of the New World’s most revered wines. In the winery, Mike captures the nuance of these grand cru-caliber vineyards to create sophisticated wines renowned for their layered elegance and aging potential.
Learn more »»
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