99 POINTS - Jeb Dunnuck
2017 Calera Mt. Harlan Pinot Noir Jensen Vineyard
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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.
99
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.
Wine Spectator
90
Wine Enthusiast
91
Wine Review Online
96
Wine & Spirits
91
Jeb Dunnuck
99
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Content: 100% Pinot Noir; Cooperage: 100% French oak
Winemaker Notes
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.
Production
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.
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2017
Varietal
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Mt. Harlan
Vineyard Designation
Jensen Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 27 - October 16
Sugar
24.7° Brix
Acid
0.65 g/100 ml titratable acidity
pH
3.53
Aging
17 months
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Spectator
90
Wine Enthusiast
91
Wine Review Online
96
Wine & Spirits
91
Jeb Dunnuck
99