Calera Wine Company : Viognier Mt Harlan 2015

An Enticing Viognier from California with Aromas of Jasmine and Peach

In 1974, John Jensen purchased a high-elevation, limestone-rich parcel near Mt. Harlan in California's San Benito County. His idea was to follow the example of Burgundy winemakers and produce cool-climate Pinot Noir in the style of the Cotes d'Or. Jensen planted his first 24 hectares of Pinot Noir, divided into 3 separate parcels of the Calera estate: the Selleck Vineyard, Reed Vineyard and Jensen Vineyard. Over the years, his Pinot Noir wines would gain international fame, earning Jensen the reputation of a California Pinot Noir pioneer. In 1982, Jensen expanded the estate by purchasing 300 acres of land on a limestone mountain, of which 2 acres he planted with Viognier in 1983, back when few other Californian winemakers were experimenting with this variety. In 1989, he added 3 more acres of Viognier. The Mt. Harlan Viognier 2015 by Calera Wine Company is made with 100% Viognier hand-harvested from the Mt. Harlan Vineyard, from south-southwest-facing vines at an altitude of 2,200 feet above sea level. The 2015 vintage was characterized by a dry winter and an early spring with blooming in mid-April. A continuing drought reduced yield but a consistently warm summer ensured an ideal ripening of the grapes. Harvest took place between September 22nd and 23rd. The grapes fermented for 20 days at 65°F and underwent 100% malolactic fermentation with some times spent on lees. The wine matured 50% in neutral French oak, 20% in stainless steel and 30% in concrete tanks.

The Mt. Harlan Viognier 2015 by John Jensen is bright and enticing on the nose, revealing splendid aromas of jasmine, honeysuckle, peach and brioche. On the palate, this Californian Viognier is lush, with exotic flavors of mango, honey and tropical fruit, as well as hints of licorice. With its great natural intensity, the 2015 offers a fresh acidity, finely grained tannins and a vibrant finish, with a flinty minerality attesting to its limestone terroir of origin.