Bouchaine Vineyards, Napa Valley (California) Pinot Noir 2021

 After years of pursuing the Burgundy mystique, California Pinot Noir producers have in recent years been fascinated more by the diversity they have at hand.  Many make Pinots from multiple terroirs – Sta. Rita Hills, Carneros, Sonoma Coast, Anderson Valley, even next-door Oregon – while others are fascinated by having a variety of clones growing on their own home turf.  This is the world of Bouchaine’s Chris Kajani, the estate’s long-time winemaker and just recently elevated to president of everything.  Kajani is somewhat rare in producing wines designated by their clone alone, and this one is from the Calera clone domesticated by Josh Jensen in the Gabilan Mountains of the Central Coast.  Her 2021 Calera Clone is a very floral and lilting Pinot, yet one well-grounded, its bright cherry flavors balanced by a hint of bitters and discernible tannins surrounding the fruit.  Although it goes well with foods, such as rare lamb chops, I would rather sip my way through the whole bottle over a couple of days.