Calera Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan "Ryan Vineyard" 2019
(Central Coast, California) - [WE 94] [JS 94] [VM 94]

Notes from the Winemaker:
Calera’s Mt. Harlan Vineyards are located in the Gabilan 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.

Tasting Notes:
Now over two decades in age, the Pinot Noir plantings from Ryan Vineyard on Mt. Harlan have produced a beautifully vibrant and expressive wine with red cherry and cola aromas, as well as flavors of fresh plum, white pepper and cocoa. On the palate it is energetic and lively, with supple tannins and a bright, impeccably balanced finish.

Production:
While a cool, wet winter and spring on Mt. Harlan led to a late budbreak in our vineyards, moderate summer temperatures with no late-season heat events ensured that the fruit enjoyed abundant hangtime. Harvest began in late September and continued throughout October, resulting in elegant and age-worthy whites with lovely underlying power, and graceful and dynamic reds with complex layers of bright fruit and savory spice.

Aged 18 months in French oak, 30% new

14.5% abv

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - James Suckling: 
Plum, dried strawberry and rose stem aromas. Full-bodied, layered and savory with fine tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Juicy and bright. Drink or hold. (Feb 2023)

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
Showing lighter in the glass, this bottling from 1988 vines offers dark mulberry fruit on the complex nose alongside turned earth, juniper and toasty cappuccino notes. The gamy elements are well integrated on the palate, where coffee bean, roasted plum and bay leaf extend into a caramel-kissed finish. - Matt Kettman (July 2023)

94 Points - Vinous Media: 
The 2019 Pinot Noir Ryan Vineyard is one of the more aromatic wines in this range. It is also incredibly tight at this stage. Crushed rocks, dried flowers, mint, earthiness white pepper and sweet red cherry are some of the many notes that grace this decidedly sinewy, taut Pinot. More exotic spice, blood orange and dried herb notes emerge over time. The 2019 needs a ton of air, as such it is an easy wine to underestimate. – Antonio Galloni (May 2022)