2004 Calera Mills Vineyard Pinot Noir, Mt. Harlan, CA

[wondersofwine]

(Gavilan Mountains, San Benito County, California's Central Coast (Mt. Harlan is an AVA)
The back label furnishes much more information, much of which I've added as a footnote for those interested*

15% alcohol. Viscous texture. Dark purple-red color. Nose of black cherry. Marvelous flavor of cherry/raspberry with just the right modicum of pucker on the finish. Yummy wine! I'd rate it 93 or 94. I looked it up on cellartracker and saw mostly ratings in the 90's with one 77 and one 84. The 77 rater complained of the high alcohol but I found it to be well balanced. The 84 said they may have had an off bottle and there was some barnyard odor--definitely not present in the bottle I opened.
Terrific wine! Right match for cedar-plank salmon or Cornish hen or duck in cherry sauce? Seems to be at its peak five years after harvest but may stay at this plateau for awhile yet.
Who knew San Benito County was capable of producing such fine wine? (probably a lot of Calera and Josh Jensen fans) I feel this would blow away most CA or OR pinots. I believe I still have a bottle of the Calera Jensen Vineyard Pinot Noir.

*Geology: limestone average elevation: 2200 feet above sea level creating cool climate conditions
planted: 1984
average yield: 1.3 tons per acre
average ripeness at harvest: 27.7% sugar
Uses native yeasts and wine spends 16 months in 60-gallon French oak barrels (15% new). 100% malolactic fermentation. Non-filtered.
Bottled in various size bottles equivalent to 1209 cases of 750 ml. bottles.

[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 10-07-2009).]

[winoweenie]

Josh J is one of the most, if not the MOST, underrated winemaker and visionary in the industry along with Dave Stare. Had the chance to follow his lovely product along with Ken Burnaps' as they both went into the wilderness back in the 70s' and as Davy Crockett said "hacked this outta' the wilderness wif me bare handies" or sumpin to that effect. Anywhoos I thougherly agree that he makes one of the most superior PN in the market. Hopefully all of you get to taste a 10+ year-old bottle. Brings a smile to this wizened ole kisser. Ww