91 Points - Wine Spectator
2018 Calera Mt. Harlan Viognier
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Calera’s Mt. Harlan Vineyards are located in the Gavilan 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
91
Wine Enthusiast
91
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Composition: 100% estate Viognier
Winemaker Notes
To accentuate its more delicate aromas, this cool-climate Viognier was fermented entirely in concrete, resulting in fragrances of apricot, summer hay, honeysuckle, Meyer lemon and Mandarin orange. The first sip is supple and viscous, and as it unfurls a current of bright acid emerges, framing the flavors and driving the wine to a tantalizing peaches and cream 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
Viognier
Appellation
Mt. Harlan
Acid
0.63 g/100 ml
pH
3.36
Fermentation
100% concrete tank fermented and aged
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Spectator
91
Wine Enthusiast
91
