One of the intriguing things about wine (some, not all) is that there is vintage variation with the wine - each harvest is unique and the bottles from that harvest taste different than previous harvests. As Calera celebrates its 50th birthday, such is the case with this Pinot Noir. I have tasted and reviewed Calera wines for many years and this is a different iteration than other vintages from the Ryan Vineyard. The wine focuses on more dark and brooding fruit with much more minerality and acidity than in previous vintages.
This is 100% Pinot Noir from the Loire Valley in France. It is more "elegant" in style. Pale ruby in color, clear and bright. The nose has cherries, rhubarb, and slight cranberries. Clean. Light, wispy tannins. Nice balance. On the palate, the flavors match the nose with cherries, rhubarb and slight cranberries. Good finish. This wine needs food to show its best. It has some complexity but is made in a lighter style. This would be a nice match with Roasted Turkey or a Mushroom Risotto. Drink over the next five years.
This is a Rosé made from 100% Pinot Noir. Pale salmon orange in color, clear and bright. The nose is nice with strawberries, light cherries and slight cranberries. Medium bodied. Slightly viscous. On the palate, this is tasty with good energy. Flavors of strawberries and cherries. Easy to drink. Good finish. This is nice on its own and will work well with many foods. A nice choice with Grilled Salmon but also a "Cold Pasta" dish. Drink over the next few years.
