Winemaker Josh Jensen has a deep respect for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in Burgundy, France. He admired the limestone-rich soils of the Côtes d’Or. After returning from France, he founded Calera Vineyards in one of the coolest growing regions in California on a high elevation site rich in limestone deposits. Calera is situated near Mount Harlan in San Benito County, California, about 100 miles south of San Francisco and 25 miles east of Monterey. Josh crafted Zinfandel first in 1975. Chardonnay was planted on limestone parcels, followed almost 10 years later with the first release in 1984. By 2008, his Mount Harlan Vineyards were certified organic.

Aged for 15 months in French Oak barrels of which 30% was new. This Chardonnay has a pale green tinged hue. The aromatics are focused on fresh apple and Bosch pear aromas. It represents the soil where it is grown. There a variety of stone fruits accented with lemon zest, minerality and crushed stones. The wine remains bright and fresh throughout.

By W Peter Hoyne