2007 Calera Pinot Noir Ryan Vineyard
Reviewed by Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Issue Date 31st Aug 2010
Source 190, The Wine Advocate
Rating 93 points
Release Price $45
Drink Date NA
From one of the property’s coolest sites, the 2007 Pinot Noir Ryan Vineyard reveals nearly overwhelming notes of sassafras, root vegetables, plums, red currants, and raspberries. It is a spicy, earthy effort with an autumnal-like herbaceousness. Aged 17 months in French oak (30% new), it is a Pinot Noir for those who prefer that varietal’s spicy, stemmy, earthy side. Nevertheless, there is still plenty of fruit in this complex, singular cuvee.
This may be the strongest group of wines Calera has produced in many years. From their less expensive whites through the generic and single vineyard Pinot Noirs, this remarkable portfolio showcases this idiosyncratic terroir isolated on Mt. Harlan. For starters, Calera has once again made the finest Aligote in America.