4 | Wine | $20 to $50, 86 to 90, 2011

"A dense, chewy red, exhibiting dark raspberry coulis, blackberry reduction and plum skin notes that remain fresh through the smoke- and mineral-tinged finish. Fine length."

"Polished, subtle and juicy, with floral strawberry and guava flavors, lingering gently on the open-textured finish."

"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."

"Tasted from tank, into which it had been assembled just two weeks beforehand, the Morin 2011 Sancerre Vieilles Vignes – which will as usual be a cuvee solely for the U.S. market, and bottled unfiltered – brims with bright lime and grapefruit; apple and honeydew melon, offering a lovely balance between lees-enrichment and refreshing vivacity. There is a chalky sense of mineral impingement to the vibrantly zesty, invigorating, yet persistently succulent finish of this buoyant (incidentally, 12.7% alcohol) Sancerre that should drink well for the next 3-4 years if not beyond."

"Bright ruby. Zesty red berry aromas and flavors with a spicy note that gains strength with air. Taut and linear on the finish, which has good focus but a slightly tart edge. I also tried the 2010 version of this wine and found it too reduced to rate with any confidence."

"Tight, focused and juicy, with blackberry and currant fruit playing against mineral flavors and tangy acidity as the finish lingers enticingly."

"The 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is preferable for those who like more acidity and a fresher, lighter style." -Robert Parker

"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."

"Bright straw. White stone fruits and flowers on the nose and palate. Displays lively acid lift for such a hot hear, with the zesty, persistent finish featuring a lingering note of lime. From 33-year-old vines in the Clos."