Another fine bargain is the 2007 Pinot Noir Central Coast, also produced from fruit grown in three different counties. Proprietor Josh Jensen ferments it with 50% whole clusters and ages it in primarily neutral French oak. There are nearly 16,000 cases of this wine, which exhibits plenty of sassafras, damp earth, soft plum, currant, and pomegranate notes, a deceptive light to medium ruby color, loads of flavor, silky tannins, and a luscious, sensual finish. Drink it over the next several years. In retrospect, 2006 does not appear to be a very strong vintage for Calera Pinot Noir, but the wines are complex, approachable, and very Burgundian. In a completely different style, the more concentrated 2005s exhibit deeper color as well as more texture, depth, and length. This is a vintage for Calera that should age beautifully for 15 or more years, given the winery’s history of its top vintages aging brilliantly.Tel. (831) 637-9170; Fax (831) 637-9070

Another fine bargain is the 2007 Pinot Noir Central Coast, also produced from fruit grown in three different counties. Proprietor Josh Jensen ferments it with 50% whole clusters and ages it in primarily neutral French oak. There are nearly 16,000 cases of this wine, which exhibits plenty of sassafras, damp earth, soft plum, currant, and pomegranate notes, a deceptive light to medium ruby color, loads of flavor, silky tannins, and a luscious, sensual finish. Drink it over the next several years. In retrospect, 2006 does not appear to be a very strong vintage for Calera Pinot Noir, but the wines are complex, approachable, and very Burgundian. In a completely different style, the more concentrated 2005s exhibit deeper color as well as more texture, depth, and length. This is a vintage for Calera that should age beautifully for 15 or more years, given the winery’s history of its top vintages aging brilliantly. Tel. (831) 637-9170; Fax (831) 637-9070

Strong in black cherry, red currant, cola and licorice flavors, this wine shows Pinot’s silky texture as well as crisp Central Coast acidity. Drink now.——S.H.(6/1/2009)—— 86