One of the intriguing things about wine (some, not all) is that there is vintage variation with the wine - each harvest is unique and the bottles from that harvest taste different than previous harvests. As Calera celebrates its 50th birthday, such is the case with this Pinot Noir. I have tasted and reviewed Calera wines for many years and this is a different iteration than other vintages from the Ryan Vineyard. The wine focuses on more dark and brooding fruit with much more minerality and acidity than in previous vintages.

Always a pleasure to try a mature Brunello.  Ruby in color, mostly clear and bright.  The nose has a bit of a stink to it but I enjoyed it.  Dust, barnyard, dried cherries, cherries and spice.  Medium to full bodied.  Light tannins.  Nice balance.  On the palate, this is about at peak.  Layers of cherries, tea leaves, and spice.  Good finish.  This is lovely and contemplative on its own but probably better with food.  It would work well with Pasta with sundried tomatoes in an aglio e olio sauce.  

100% Aglianico.  A couple of the tasters thought this bottle reminded them of an Amarone.  Of course, after they pointed that out, I agreed.  ;-)  Deep ruby and purple swirls, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose has black cherries, slight tobacco, char and a hint of mint(?).  Firm tannins.  Nice acidity.  Flavors of black cherries, slight sour cherries, earthiness with slight char.  Good finish.  This is nice on its own and will work with food.  A nice plate of a favorite pasta would be perfect.  Drink over the next seven to ten years.  

100% Aglianico.  Ruby/purple in color, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is slightly dusty with black cherries, black raspberries and a touch of char.  Full bodied.  Thick tannins.  Good acidity.  On the palate, a softer texture.  Complex.  Flavors of black cherries, black raspberries with slight char.  Long finish.  This is drinking well but still on the younger side.  Drink over the next ten to fifteen years.  It is better with food.  Big flavors will work well.  This would go well with Brisket.  

100% Aglianico.  Inky purple in color with some ruby hues, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is dusty with black cherries, raspberries, tar and slight smoke.  Medium to full bodied.  Firm but not over powering tannins.  On the palate, this is tasty if still young.  Flavors of  black cherries and black raspberries with slight char.  Long finish.  This could use a few years in the cellar or give it plenty of airr if drinking soon.  Drink over the next ten to twelve years.  It is very food friendly and will work with hearty meals.  Roasted Butternut Squash would go well.  Great value!

This is 100% Aglianico from Campania, Italy.  Purple in color with some ruby hues, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is nice with black cherries, black raspberries, slight anise and smoke/asphalt.  Full bodied.  Nice acidity.  Thick tannins.  On the palate, this is drinking nicely.  Flavors of black cherries, black raspberries with slight smokiness.  Not showing its age at all.  Long finish.  This is nice on its own but will be better with food.  This would work well with (vegetarian) Lasagna.  Drink over the next five to ten years.  Nice value.