2009 Calera, Pinot Noir “Jensen Vineyard” Mt. Harlan.
It is hard not to get excited about Calera these days, and to say Calera is on a roll sounds cliche, but the last set of wines from Josh Jensen are stunning and out of this world good. The last three vintages have brought Calera back to the top echelon of Pinot Noir producers and it doesn’t look like they are letting up at all with some good wines coming down the road as well, especially this 2009 Calera Jensen that is due for release next month* which is truly amazing with loads of character, terroir if you will, and depth. It was a rare treat to get a chance to taste this classic Pinot Noir, a remarkable Grand Cru style wine that shows deep layers of fruit, plenty of acidity, tannin and savory notes. The nose is earthy/spicy to start and then opens dramatically to reveal roses and incense with touches of red pepper, tea notes and cinnamon before a full palate of black cherry, loganberry, briar, earthy truffle and wild plum, plus a tangy cranberry note in the background, while a touch of strawberry and smoky vanilla faintly come through on the long aftertaste. For those looking for a long lived and beautiful Pinot Noir will want to get some of this Jensen and put a few away, even though I would have a hard time hold it back as it is a fantastic wine all ready. Drink over the next ten years with a huge smile on your face, this Pinot is a masterpiece of pleasure!
($75 Est.) 94-96 Points, grapelive
*Sept. 2012 Release.
