Calera Pinot Noir Mt. Harlan "de Villiers" 2016
(Central Coast, California) - [VM 93] [WE 92] [WA 92] [WS 91]

Notes from the Winemaker:
Once again, De Villiers has produced one of Calera’s most voluptuous and dark-fruited expressions of Pinot Noir, with alluring aromas of blackberry, cassis and cedarycigar box. On the palate, lush dark berry and black currant flavors are supported by a firm tannic backbone that frames the fruit and carries the wine to a long, energetic finish.

In the Vineyards:
After several years of drought, 2016 brought a return to normal winter rainfall levels, which replenished the Mt. Harlan vineyards and set the pace for a slightly early, but near-ideal, growing season. A warm spring led to a relatively early budbreak, followed by warm, sunny summer. While summer provided abundant sunshine for ripening the grapes, mild nights ensured that they ripened perfectly, with excellent acid and sugar levels. As a result, our 2016 Pinot Noirs are lush and balanced, with beautifully articulated flavors.

Ratings & Reviews

93 Points - Vinous Media:
"One of the more expressive wines in the range, the 2016 Pinot Noir de Villiers vineyard is soft, open knit and gracious, with an attractive combination of dark red cherry/plum fruit and the more floral/savory notes that develop from the 50% while clusters. Lavender, mint, pine and sweet spice add layers of dimension to this supple, inviting Pinot from Calera. There is so much to like here." - Antonio Galloni (Oct 2019)

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"There is impressive density to the bottling, starting with aromas of roasted black cherry and blackberry as well as cocoa and wood spice. It's heavy on the palate with full flavors of blackberry, bay leaf and more dark chocolate." - MK (Oct 2019)

92 Points - Wine Advocate:
"Aged 17 months in 30% new French oak, the pale to medium ruby-purple colored 2016 Pinot Noir deVilliers Vineyard opens with warm blueberries, dried cherries and cranberries aromas with notions of fresh strawberries, dried herbs, dusty earth, underbrush and charcuterie. The palate is light to medium-bodied with earth and Angostura bitters-laced fruits, a grainy frame and bright freshness on the finish. 1,220 cases produced." - Erin Brooks (Feb 2020)

91 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Concentrated and richly spiced, with flavors of cherry, raspberry and red currant that are well-knit and feature lively mineral and cedary accents. Creamy finish. Drink now through 2023. 1,220 cases made." - KM (Oct 2019)