The 2011 Aligote offers up dried pears, hazelnuts and sweet spices. A broad-shouldered white, the 2011 impresses for its balance and overall harmony. The aromas and flavors are a little more complex than is typical for this grape, with less of the citrus like-brightness. Regardless, it is a gorgeous wine. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015. Calera is clearly not in Napa Valley, but these current and upcoming releases are deserving of serious attention, hence their inclusion here.Tel. (831) 637-9170; www.calerawine.com

The 2010 Aligote is a fabulous wine for the money. Crisp green apples and white peaches are some of the nuances that emerge from this vibrant, intriguing wine. The Aligote boasts fabulous textural elegance and sheer finesse. Proprietor Josh Jensen crafts his Aligote from estate grown fruit. The wine is aged in French oak barrels and sees full malolactic fermentation. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. These five 2010 whites from Calera are superb. The entry-level bottlings offer tremendous value, while the higher-end selections are every bit as compelling in their respective categories. These fabulous, unique wines are well worth seeking out.Tel. (831) 637-9170; www.calerawine.com

The 2009 Aligote is a steely, ripe, elegant white with excellent acidity and minerality as well as loads of quince, white currant, and honeysuckle notes offered in a medium-bodied, forceful yet refreshing style. Enjoy it over the next several years. This may be the strongest group of wines Calera has produced in many years. From their less expensive whites through the generic and single vineyard Pinot Noirs, this remarkable portfolio showcases this idiosyncratic terroir isolated on Mt. Harlan. For starters, Calera has once again made the finest Aligote in America.Tel. (831) 637-9170; Fax (831) 637-9070

Tastes like an inferior Chardonnay, with overoaked flavors of tangerines, pineapples and buttered popcorn.——S.H.(12/15/2010)—— 84

The limited production 2008 Aligote is another delicious example of this white grape rarely found outside of Burgundy. Crisp crushed rock, white currant, and quince notes emerge from its medium-bodied, fresh, lively, penetrating personality. With good acidity and texture, it should be consumed over the next year. In retrospect, 2006 does not appear to be a very strong vintage for Calera Pinot Noir, but the wines are complex, approachable, and very Burgundian. In a completely different style, the more concentrated 2005s exhibit deeper color as well as more texture, depth, and length. This is a vintage for Calera that should age beautifully for 15 or more years, given the winery’s history of its top vintages aging brilliantly.Tel. (831) 637-9170; Fax (831) 637-9070