• Share this on Facebook | Twitter

Calera Wine Company

Calera Wine Company owns the only vineyards in the Mount Harlan AVA. Founder Josh Jenson learned how to grow grapes and make wine in Burgundy.

Jenson’s mentors always insisted that the region’s limestone soils and cool, breezy weather was a critical part of their wines’ success. After returning to the United States, he began looking for a piece of property to plant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

He found what he was looking for on a rocky outcrop of the Gabilan Mountain Range called Mount Harlan. It is one of the coolest, most elevated AVAs in California. The region also has limestone soil that is ideal for growing Burgundian varietals.

Jenson originally planted 24 acres of Pinot Noir vines and has been expanding ever since. In addition to Burgundian grapes, Jenson also produces Viognier which is from the Northern Rhone Valley. The winemaking facilities are located in the Cienega Valley AVA. Jenson plans to plant 30 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the Cienega Valley in the future.

Jenson is also one of the few American members of the highly respected Academie Internationale du Vin. A less dedicated individual could not have made wine production a reality from grapes grown on Mount Harlan.

  • Share this on Facebook | Twitter

Comments & Reviews

November 27, 2006 | wineguy55

Jenson is an American master of Chardonnay. He balances oak and malo so incredibly well. Very few New World Chardonnays compare.

November 27, 2006 | Jeff Stevens

That sounds right up my alley, i love buttery Chards. Which one of their wines would you reccomend trying first?

December 15, 2006 | Brad Jones

I wouldn't characterize Jenson's Chardonnay as being "buttery," although it is aged in oak. But the malo is very controlled, not full-blown like many Napa Chards. He seems more interested in balance than blockbuster wines.

December 15, 2006 | Jeff Stevens

interesting brad, i'm going to try their mount harlan calera chard first. thanks for your insightful response.

You must login to comment.