Calera Wine Company
Mt. Harlan Chardonnay
Mount Harlan, Central Coast, California, USA
This was one of my wines from my annual WWC hosting. The other whites were Bereche Brut Reserve for the champagne, a 2015 Bongran EJ Thevent (burgundy) Chardonnay and a 2017 Moone-Tsai Ritchie Chardonnay.
Color me impressed. I have enjoyed Calera’s pinots quite a bit, but I haven’t had as much experience with the Chardonnay’s. It was almost like a Aubert Larry Hyde “lite”. As this was tasted blind, most guessed this was Chardonnay, but lots of back and forth on where it would be from. Initially, this toed the line between steely and slightly oaked with bright citrus, lemon, clean aromatics…but after an hour in the glass, this really bulked up and sported a down-the-middle type medium bodied profile. Not lean, not powerful. The tart lemon turned to a more lemon cream profile with lots of floral/honeysuckle notes, alongside herb crusted yellow fruits. No problem opening now, but I’d love to try another one of these in a few years. 92+
This was one of my wines from my annual WWC hosting. The other whites were Bereche Brut Reserve for the champagne, a 2015 Bongran EJ Thevent (burgundy) Chardonnay and a 2017 Moone-Tsai Ritchie Chardonnay.
Color me impressed. I have enjoyed Calera’s pinots quite a bit, but I haven’t had as much experience with the Chardonnay’s. It was almost like a Aubert Larry Hyde “lite”. As this was tasted blind, most guessed this was Chardonnay, but lots of back and forth on where it would be from. Initially, this toed the line between steely and slightly oaked with bright citrus, lemon, clean aromatics…but after an hour in the glass, this really bulked up and sported a down-the-middle type medium bodied profile. Not lean, not powerful. The tart lemon turned to a more lemon cream profile with lots of floral/honeysuckle notes, alongside herb crusted yellow fruits. No problem opening now, but I’d love to try another one of these in a few years. 92+
medium golden yellow; lemon peel, green apple, honeysuckle, lees; medium body, good acidity, 14.5 ABV; made from organically grown grapes planted in 1984 in limestone soils, 100% malolactic fermentation, aged 14 months in 30% new French oak; 375 mL
medium golden yellow; lemon peel, green apple, honeysuckle, lees; medium body, good acidity, 14.5 ABV; made from organically grown grapes planted in 1984 in limestone soils, 100% malolactic fermentation, aged 14 months in 30% new French oak; 375 mL
Feb 29th, 2020America's Meursault. Seriously.
America's Meursault. Seriously.
1 person found it helpfulFeb 4th, 2014Served blind, I was thinking Carneros 2009! This is 1997!!!!! Just astounding freshness and so amazingly pure that I had to look at the label TWICE to believe it. Gently candied apricot flavors reveals a sun drenched origin and some development, but '97; are you fucking kidding me? Coolest surprise in a long time! Josh; how did you do it?
Served blind, I was thinking Carneros 2009! This is 1997!!!!! Just astounding freshness and so amazingly pure that I had to look at the label TWICE to believe it. Gently candied apricot flavors reveals a sun drenched origin and some development, but '97; are you fucking kidding me? Coolest surprise in a long time! Josh; how did you do it?
Jan 24th, 2016
Pool wine on a hot day
Pool wine on a hot day
Sep 12th, 2015One of the best from Calera I have tasted. Stunning and perfectly balanced. Calera should be more famous for Chardonnay.
One of the best from Calera I have tasted. Stunning and perfectly balanced. Calera should be more famous for Chardonnay.
May 16th, 2015I'm usually in the ABC camp, but this one doesn't overplay it's hand. Oak, yes, but under control. Just ripe enough. Well done.
I'm usually in the ABC camp, but this one doesn't overplay it's hand. Oak, yes, but under control. Just ripe enough. Well done.
Apr 18th, 2015
Stunner! Mineral bright, acidity still banging, got beautiful nectarine notes, orange zest, and lemon chiffon, the weight and texture are spectacular. Mt. Harlan magic! American Burgundy. This cane whisper "go the distance" all Field of dreams style; as it dances across your tongue. Long finish needless to say
Stunner! Mineral bright, acidity still banging, got beautiful nectarine notes, orange zest, and lemon chiffon, the weight and texture are spectacular. Mt. Harlan magic! American Burgundy. This cane whisper "go the distance" all Field of dreams style; as it dances across your tongue. Long finish needless to say
Apr 14th, 2015
Sommelier, International Wine Guild; Balistreri Vineyard; Sales, Joy Wine and Spirits
For 20 dollars, it is one of the best domestic Chard's you can grab. There is enough body and malo to satisfy those butter bomb lovers, but there is still some great minerality and pure soft fruit notes. Elegant enough, even for people not huge on chard. 2013
For 20 dollars, it is one of the best domestic Chard's you can grab. There is enough body and malo to satisfy those butter bomb lovers, but there is still some great minerality and pure soft fruit notes. Elegant enough, even for people not huge on chard. 2013
Apr 10th, 2015