Calera, Mt. Harlan (Central Coast) Pinot Noir 2009

Typical of Calera, the 2009 Reed is light in color, but long on potential. Much like Gary Farrell at Alysian, Josh Jensen at Calera eschews the conventional model for New World Pinot and makes wines with an eye toward the future. He’s not afraid to release a Pinot with a bit of bite on the finish, and that presence of tannin so many winemakers fear makes the Calera wines stellar in the cellar. The Reed exhibits earthy minerality and notes of black cherry and strawberry, flavors that will grow more persistent and complex as the wine ages. Lay this wine down for at least another three to five years.