93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
2018 Calera Mt. Harlan Pinot Noir de Villiers Vineyard
In Stock
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.
Wine Spectator
92
Wine Enthusiast
93
Wine & Spirits
93
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Winemaker Notes
The 2018 vintage continues de Villiers’ tradition of producing one of the most luxurious and dark-fruited expressions of Pinot Noir from Mt. Harlan. On the nose, dramatic aromas of black cherry, briary blackberry and sarsaparilla immediately command attention. The dark berry flavors continue on the palate, where they are supported by firm, age-worthy tannins that frame the fruit and carry the wine to a
long, lush cherry and spice finish.
Production
The quality of the 2018 growing season on Mt. Harlan was fantastic. After warm early spring weather led to an early budbreak, the temperatures cooled in latespring, followed by sunny days with moderate temperatures throughout the summer. This provided us with long hangtimes, which resulted in exceptional ripeness, while preserving excellent natural acidity in the grapes. The one negative was that the cool early weather during bloom caused a bit of shatter and reduced yields. While the crops were small, the quality was outstanding, producing beautifully complex wines, with lovely structure, and pure, varietal flavors.
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2018
Varietal
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Mt. Harlan
Vineyard Designation
de Villiers Vineyard
Acid
0.62 g/100 ml
pH
3.65
Aging
Aged 18 months with 30% new French oak
Fermentation
Whole cluster fermented with native yeast
Alcohol %
14.3
Wine Spectator
92
Wine Enthusiast
93
Wine & Spirits
93
