4 | Wine | Central Coast, 86 to 90

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

"Ripe and zesty, with distinctive aromas of raspberry and smoky cracked pepper that lead to plush, briary flavors of black cherry, anise and sage."

"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."

"Dark ruby. Blackberry, cherry and sassafras on the pungent nose. Fleshy and expansive, offering deep red and dark berry flavors and a hint of bitter chocolate. Picks up spiciness with air and finishes on a smoky, slightly bitter dark berry note, with good thrust and persistence. This assertive pinot could handle richer foods."

"The 2010 Chardonnay is one of the top values in California wine. It possesses tons of ripe, varietal fruit in a style that is quite rich but not heavy. Clean citrus and floral notes add freshness on the long finish. Lees stirring gives the wine much of its richness, while aging in steel helps maintain freshness. There is remarkable depth and textural finesse here, never mind a price that is mind-boggling for this level of quality."

"A pretty, gracious wine, the 2010 Pinot Noir shows the more elegant, feminine side of Pinot. Crushed flowers and red berries are some of the nuances that take shape in the glass. Despite its mid-weight personality, there is no shortage of depth in the aromas and flavors. This is a gorgeous wine."

"Candied blackberry and cola on the nose, with notes of cracked pepper and mocha adding complexity. Big and broad but lively, offering juicy dark fruit flavors and a late jolt of tangy acidity. Shows very good clarity and lift on the long, spicy finish. Energetic for this normally burly variety."

"Trim and pure, this is focused on white peach, tangerine and honeysuckle, ending with a push of delicate lemony citrus."

"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."

"Mount Eden’s 2010 Chardonnay Wolff Vineyard wraps around the palate with hints of almonds, honey, fennel and dried pears. The Wolff Vineyard, from a site in Edna Valley, is made in a slightly more forward style than the rest of the Domaine/Mount Eden Chardonnays. Slightly burnished notes add complexity on the finish."