91pts Wine Enthusiast

A great taste of this iconic estate without breaking the bank, this bottling is light in the glass with aromas of dried cherry, scorched earth and chaparral spice. The palate combines cranberry sauce and toasted sagebrush with an ample tannin profile.

91pts Wine & Spirits

This is savory and flavorful, with scents of plum cake, a hint of smoky bacon and leather. It’s delivered with a juicy freshness, with a lean finish for a plate of carbonara.

90pts Wilfred Wong

The 2021 Calera Central Coast is as solid as ever. TASTING NOTES: This wine offers aromas and flavors of tart cherries, mineral notes, and light tannins. Enjoy it with lightly-spiced pan-fried pork chops. (Tasted: March 23, 2023, San Francisco, CA)

Winery Description

In 1975, legendary vintner and American wine pioneer Josh Jensen founded Calera (Spanish for “lime kiln”) high in the remote Gavilan Mountains of California’s windswept Central Coast. There, in Mt. Harlan’s low-yielding, limestone-rich soils and cool, arid climate, he began planting what would ultimately become six small estate vineyards. Today, these vineyards are recognized as some of the New World’s most revered Pinot Noir sites.

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.

Under the stewardship of Winemaker Mike Waller, each vineyard is renowned for producing singular wines of uncommon purity, elegance and aging potential. In addition to its beloved single-vineyard wines, Calera partners with some of the top vineyards on California’s majestic Central Coast to make Calera’s beautiful Central Coast wines, including a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.