Kalaris Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Fruit from Bianchini Ranch on Atlas Peak forms the backbone of this Cabernet, and a small amount of fruit from Gus’ Calistoga estate rounds things out and provides freshness. dusty fruit at center of palate.
  • Punches well out of its weight class for the price category it is in, with the dusty fruit that we love Bianchini for.
  • This is six years old and in a perfect place right now.

Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Elaboration: Traditional fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel vats. Ageing is completed in 60 gallon French Oak barrels (65% new) for 21 months

Tasting Notes: A powerful effort displaying loads of red and black currants, blackberry, plum, spice box, charcoal, graphite and a meaty, chocolate character. The wine is supported by silky, well integrated tannins providing perfect balance. It is fruit-forward and opulent, with a rich, velvety mouth feel and a finish that seductively lingers long after the final sip.

PRESS

2013 – 90 Wine Advocate, 93 James Suckling

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 (2013- 93 James Suckling)