2007 Calera Pinot Noir Ryan Vineyard and 2011 Neely Pinot Noir Spring Ridge Vineyard Upper Picnic Block

Talk about dichotomy in styles of pinot noir!  Here are fascinating examples. 

The 2007 Calera Ryan is a big, high - altitude wine with well defined raspberry and sous bois palate. Aromatics are somewhat subdued (or is it my spring allergies..?).  Not as alluring as the 2005 Calera Mills we had recently,  but still quite enjoyable..... 

Opened the 2011 Neely and , whoa -hold the phone- this is a different beast entirely. Very light in color with only 12.4% abv.... so lithe in body with bright strawberry,  sassafras palate... quite spicy.  Intriguing spice on the aromatics as well. Santa Cruz Mtns. Made by the Varner brothers.  Became significantly more fascinating on day two (Sunday evening sunset dinner ... a la carte meatballs and balsamic peppers). 
Hard to put this wine down.... it demands coming back for more.... doesn't want to be pigeonholed as a typical California pinot noir...