This lies on the tart, food friendly side of Pinot Noir. On pop and pour, bright strawberry jam, dry earth and undertones of raspberry and smoky cedar spice are elegantly mixed in both aroma and flavor profiles, with extremely bright acidity and a moderate grip that keeps things well knit together through the mouthwatering finish. I’d pair this with white meats to bring out the delicate red fruit and spice. An alternative to the big fleshy style that seems to be predominant these days. I’d give it a few years in the bottle to let it integrate fully.
Calera, Mt. Harlan (Central Coast, California) Pinot Noir 2011
By Rich Cook