Kalaris Cabernet Franc Napa Valley

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • The grapes for this wine come from Napa Valley.
  • This wine was created through a partnership between Gus Kalaris and Robert Egelhoff, one of Napa Valley’s most sought-after winemakers.

Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Franc

Tasting Notes: “The deep purple-black colored 2016 Cabernet Franc Kalaris Family Vineyard Estate features a wonderfully fragrant nose of red roses, lilacs, cinnamon stick and redcurrant jelly over a core of kirsch, black raspberries and black cherry compote plus a waft of pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a great intensity of perfumed red berry flavors and a grainy frame to match, finishing long and vibrant.” – Lisa Perotti-Brown, Wine Advocate.

PRESS

2016 – 94 Wine Advocate

PRODUCER BACKGROUND

If you haven’t had the pleasure of spending time with Gus Kalaris you should – Gus is a larger-than-life personality who divides his time between his native Greece, Baltimore, and the Napa Valley. Many know of Gus as the founder and principal of Constantine Wines, a market-leading wine distribution company he founded in the early eighties. About a decade ago Gus purchased a home surrounded by ten acres of vineyards in Calistoga, with a goal of producing world-class wines reflective of Calistoga’s terroir with a sprinkle of Greek gravitas. To achieve this, Gus has partnered with Robert Egelhoff, one of Napa Valley’s most sought-after winemakers who comes with a star-studded resume which includes time collaborating Bill Harlan, Bob Levy, and Michel Rolland, and winemaking at Bella Vista, Amizetta, Robert Craig, and David Arthur Vineyards. On the farming side of things Manny Gomes oversees all aspects of the company’s vineyard operations. The wines are separated into three lines – Axios, Kalaris, and Worthy.

Print rated Shelf Talker (2016- 94 Wine Advocate)