WTN: 2008 Calera Aligoté

2008 Calera Aligoté -Mt. Harlan, California 14,5%

I’m coming off a 14% Austrian Riesling Smaragd last night, so perhaps I’m acclimated to the alcohol, but this tastes much more balanced and it’s a nice effort (AND goes beyond mere curio.) I wouldn’t call it ‘typical’, but as Josh ‘typically’ strives to live and work beyond that adjective, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone (plus it's CA, Yo.)
The fruit is Anjou pear; there is meringue, brioche, lemon curd. The acidity is not striking, but it is refreshing nonetheless and completely delicious with a nice basil, avocado, mozzarella, and tomato pasta. Finished under Vino-lok. 67 cases produced. -BH

[David M. Bueker]

Interesting! I did not know that Calera made an Aligoté.

Interesting! I did not know that Calera made an Aligoté.

Hi David,

They don't make much, but it's worth a try if you visit. So is the Viognier if you haven't tried it. For me, it's one of California's best as it is nicely understated.

Cheers,
Bill

Recently tasted the Stag's Leap '08 Viognier at a trade tasting and was quite impressed. I believe the alcohol was 13.5%, but it carried it well and initially it signaled a bit of RS, it came off pleasantly dry. Would try again, or buy in store or restaurant. Maybe my white wine of the tasting of most of Foster's wines, mostly domestic.