Calera Mills Vineyard Pinot Noir, Mount Harlan

Note:

The 2012 Pinot Noir Mills Vineyard comes from 26-year-old own-rooted vines and was harvest September 20 to October 17. Aged 18 months in 30% new French oak, its semi-opaque ruby color is followed by sensational notes of ripe currants and darker fruits, scorched earth, smoked meats, licorice and chalky minerality. Big, rich, full-bodied and layered, with a huge core of fruit that never seems over the top or heavy, this elegant, profound Pinot Noir can be enjoyed anytime over the coming decade or more.

These latest 2013s from Josh Jenson were superb across the board and at the top-end were some of the most impressive Pinot Noirs I was able to taste for this report.