Calera Winery was founded by Josh Jensen in 1975 in the Gabilan Mountains of the Pacific Central Coast, 25 miles east of the Monterey Bay. The winery’s name comes from the Spanish word for “lime kiln,” a nod to a historic kiln on the property. The Mt. Harlan estate sits an average 2,200 feet above sea level and is known for its cool climate and limestone-rich soils, and for grapes that fit perfectly with Mr. Jensen’s goal of mimicking the great terroir-driven wines of Burgundy.

Calera built its reputation on parcel-specific wines from Pinot Noir plantings in the Reed, Jensen, de Villiers, Mills, Ryan, and Selleck vineyards. Of these, the Reed vineyard was planted in 1975 and its six acres have north and northeast facing exposure. It is always the last to be harvested on Mt. Harlan. It also has the deepest and darkest soil with more clay than the others in the Mt. Harlan AVA, which was granted its own appellation in 1990.

The 2022 vintage is 100% Pinot Noir, 14.5% alcohol, whole cluster fermented with indigenous yeast. It opens with red fruit on the nose: cherry and raspberry, aromas of spice, and hints of black peppercorns. On the palate, strawberry coyly joins the other fruit, peeking through flirtatiously with exceptionally supple, soft tannins and well-balanced acidity. The finish is sensual, long and lightly elegant, full of grace, yet robust enough to be savored for years to come.

By Peter Pretzer