Calera Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan "Ryan Vineyard" 2017
(Central Coast, California) - [JD 94] [VM 93] [WS 93] [WE 93]

Notes from the Winemaker:
On the nose, inviting aromas of jasmine, yellow plum and cherry hard candy beckon a first sip. As the wine unfurls on the palate, the flavors grow deeper and more complex, offering layers of dark cherry, cola and black licorice that glide across soft, round tannins to a lush, lingering finish.
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.

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Lots of dried herbs, leather, redcurrants, and a touch of sassafras emerge from the medium-bodied 2017 Pinot Noir Ryan Vineyard. With a rounded, elegant texture, beautiful acidity, and a terrific, lengthy finish, it opens up nicely with time in the glass and is just a complex, nuanced beauty to enjoy over the coming decade. (Drink between 2020-2030)" - (Sept 2020)

93 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2017 Pinot Noir Ryan Vineyard is laced with the essence of sweet red berry, cinnamon, orange peel, cedar and sweet pipe tobacco. Medium in body, with striking inner perfume and impeccable balance, the 2017 can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring. The Ryan emerges from the highest-altitude parcel on the property. (Drink between 2021-2029) " - Antonio Galloni (Sept 2020)

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Powerful, spiced and filled with ripe and refined flavors of dark cherry, raspberry and plum tart, with rich acidity. Creamy hints on the finish with chocolate-nib accents. Drink now through 2026. 1,900 cases made." - KM (Aug 2021)