2017 Calera Pinot Noir, Ryan Vineyard, Mt. Harlan, California (750ml)   

Calera's Pinots are consistently among the finest produced in California. At elevations as high as 2500 ft, Ryan is the highest among Calera's organically farmed blocks at the northern end of the Gavilan range. It is named for Jim Ryan, long-time vineyard manager.

From the Producer: As the vines at Ryan Vineyard approach 20 years of age, they continue to yield an ever more complex Pinot Noir, offering alluring layers of red cherry and sassafras, along with hints of thyme and sage. The ripe cherry notes are echoed on the palate, where they are underscored by notes of cedar and vanilla from aging in French oak, and firm, fine-grained tannins that provide lovely weight and structure.

After several years of drought, 2016 brought a return to normal winter rainfall levels, which replenished the Mt. Harlan vineyards and set the pace for a slightly early, but near-ideal, growing season. A warm spring led to a relatively early budbreak, followed by warm, sunny summer. While summer provided abundant sunshine for ripening the grapes, mild nights ensured that they ripened perfectly, with excellent acid and sugar levels. As a result, our 2016 Pinot Noirs are lush and balanced, with beautifully articulated flavors.