4 | Wine | California, 86 to 90, 2011

"Medium-bodied, with good acid, sweet berry fruit, some pepper, incense and spice." -Robert Parker

"Deceptively complex, tight and vibrant, with a slow rise of citrus-laced mineral, green pear and honeydew melon notes that build on the finish, where a touch of nutmeg adds dimension."

"Attractive floral, plum and raspberry aromas are elegant and complex, offering a spicy, juicy edge and ending with supple tannins."

"Medium-bodied, with good acid, sweet berry fruit, some pepper, incense and spice." -Robert Parker

"Calera’s 2011 Pinot Noir Central Coast wafts from the glass with freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries and mint. This is a fairly laid-back vintage for the wine, with less of the pure breed of the 2009 and 2010, but frankly that may be an unfair comparison as those wines were superb over achievers. The 2011 is more an inline performer. The tense, saline finish laced with pretty floral and spiced notes is lovely."

"The delicious 2011 Pinot Gris offers up notes of green apple skins, lemon rind, orange and fig. It possesses serious flavor depth, a zesty, dry, un-oaked personality, and 12 months of drinkability."

"Delightfully delicate and complex, this offers a light scent of creamy, vanilla-tinged oak, leading to a smooth mix of light hazelnut, baked apple and honeydew melon notes."

"The 2011 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch has a similar aromatic and flavor profile as the 2010 with more textural richness and oiliness because of the presence of botrytis in this vintage. I have to say, the 2011 is highly intriguing. It will be interesting to see where the wine goes over the coming years."

"Light yellow-gold. Fresh pineapple and peach aromas are complicated by floral honey, orange zest and dusty minerals. Fleshy and round, offering sappy melon and pit fruit flavors and a touch of candied ginger. A supple, intensely fruity style of California chardonnay, with very good finishing lift and precision."

"Apple blossom, pear and tangerine flavors are at the core of this wine, with a nice acidity to give the flavors plenty of intensity and freshness."