Calera Jensen Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017 Red Wine

Calera Jensen Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017

Mt. Harlan AVA, California

99 pts. Jeb Dunnuck:

"My favorite in the lineup, the 2017 Pinot Noir Jensen Vineyard is stunning in every way. Gorgeous black raspberry fruits, lots of floral, scorched earth, and sappy herb aromatics, medium to full-bodied richness, flawless balance, and a great finish all make for one of the most captivating Pinot Noirs in the vintage. It's brilliant today yet should easily evolve for 15 years or more." (9/2020)

95 pts. Vinous:

"The 2017 Pinot Noir Jensen Vineyard is powerful and tightly wound today. That won't be an issue in a few years of course, but readers have to be patient. Star anise, cinnamon, dried rose petal, blood orange and mint give the Jensen an exotic feel that is impossible to miss. Deep and layered on the palate, the Jensen has plenty of depth, but the tannins need time to soften. I hope to taste this in another few years' time. The collection of three blocks in a sort of amphitheater yields a Pinot of real distinction." AG (8/2020)

Oh what a beautiful Pinot! It's very nicely balanced, with an earthy nose and luscious fruit and baking spices on the palate. It's got a silky mouthfeel and a looooong finish! Pairs really well with pate, pork, duck and other foul. This is a very special Pinot.

FROM THE WINERY

Calera’s Mt. Harlan Vineyards are located in the Gavilan Mountains 25 miles east of the Monterey Bay. The site was chosen for its limestone soils and ideal climate. At an average elevation of 2,200 feet it is among the highest and coolest vineyard sites in California.

In the Vineyards

A wet winter, with more than double our average annual rainfall, made for very happy vineyards in 2017. While budbreak arrived slightly later than usual, warm spring weather led to excellent fruit sets at our Mt. Harlan vineyards, with above-average yields for both Pinot Noir and our white varieties. Thanks to the abundant early season rains, and Mt. Harlan’s high elevation and marine-influenced climate, our estate vineyards weathered a significant Labor Day heat event wonderfully, producing complex and elegant wines, with beautifully balanced acids and sugars.

Comments from the Winemaker

At more than 40 years old, the coveted old vines of Jensen Vineyard have produced a wine that impeccably balances elegance and complexity with depth and gravitas. Enticing aromas of blackberry, orange peel and spearmint hover above the glass. On the palate, layers of cherry and sassafras mingle with the dark berry flavors, while silky tannins and excellent natural acidity carry the wine to lush, vibrant conclusion.

Appellation: Mt. Harlan
Harvest Dates: September 27 – October 16
Average Sugar at Harvest: 24.7° Brix
Cooperage: 100% French oak, 30% new, 20% second vintage
Barrel Aging: 17 months
Alcohol: 14.5%
0.65 g/100
pH: 3.53