Central Coast Red Wine ()

Displays classic Merlot attributes: bright, ripe black cherry and plum aromas with subtle notes of spice and chocolate; soft, juicy, balanced flavors; and a smooth, supple texture with well-rounded tannins and bright acidity. The wine's exceptional character comes from choice Central Coast grapes, primarily from Monterey County, a region that provides the temperate climate, cool breezes and moist alluvial soils that Merlot loves. We blended the Merlot with 19% Syrah for added color and richness, and enhanced the wine's pure fruit flavors with just a hint of oak for roundness and complexity. Enjoy this wine with wild mushroom pizza, spaghetti Bolognese, Cornish game hens, grilled beef or lamb shanks.

Calera's 2011 Pinot Noir Central Coast wafts from the glass with freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries and mint. This is a fairly laid-back vintage for the wine, with less of the pure breed of the 2009 and 2010, but frankly that may be an unfair comparison as those wines were superb over achievers. The 2011 is more an inline performer. The tense, saline finish laced with pretty floral and spiced notes is lovely. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018.

The 2009 Treana Red exhibits rich aromas of red currant, plum and strawberry, with notes of coffee and spice. Concentrated flavors of ripe red cherry and boysenberry mingle with hints of anise seed, cocoa, pepper and earthiness on the mid-palate. Silky tannins and a round, velvety mouthfeel lead to a well-balanced, structured wine with a long, smooth finish.