Calera is a vision, and Calera’s wines truly express the sense of place. Rather than follow the recommended path, Josh Jensen became a pioneer in American Pinot Noir. Taking his cue from the great domaines of Burgundy, which have grown grapes in limestone soil for centuries, he set out in search of the perfect spot in California to create wines unique to the world but in the style of the greatest wines of France. Site selection was vital as he ventured off the grid to plant on the site of an old limekiln in the Gavilan Mountains of California's Central Coast. Today Calera wines still express that pioneer spirit and are revered the world over. We are proud to report that even Robert Parker is convinced: "Calera is one of the most compelling Pinot Noir specialists of not only the New World, but of Planet Earth."

After our Goldeneye email last week we had a lot of customers asking us about a great Wednesday night Pinot. We get it, it was a great price but opening a $40+ bottle to have with leftovers gets expensive real quick. Which is why we are so excited about today's offer, two great Central Coast wines from Calera for under $20 that drink like you paid $40 for them. 

Calera began in 1974 when Josh Jensen, newly returned to the US after working at Domaine Dujac and Romanee-Conti and seeking to replicate the style, discovered the limestone rich soil of Mt Harlan in San Benito county. With an uncompromising focus on purity, elegance and terroir, Jensen's hard work made Calera into one of California's best wineries for Pinot and Chard lovers. While the single vineyard bottlings from the now old vines planted high up on Mt Harlan are rightfully acclaimed as world class, Calera's Central Coast series of wines consistently go overlooked, despite their decades long history of excellence. 

The 2018 vintage was Mike Waller's 10th since Jensen appointed him winemaker and that long experience and familiarity really shows through in the wines. Bright and expressive with rich fruit and great balance, they really over deliver on quality but are so reasonably priced you never need to think twice about opening one.