Kalaris Merlot Napa Valley

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • When Gus purchased his estate in Calistoga there was a large amount of old-vine Merlot on the property – This ten acre spread is an excellent site for a classical example of the varietal, which you’ll see when you pull the cork on this single vineyard bottling.

Varietal Composition: 78% Merlot 22% Cabernet Sauvignon

Elaboration: Traditional fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel vats. Ageing is completed in 60 gallon French Oak barrels (50% new) for 18 months

Tasting Notes: Nice chocolaty notes with black cherry, berry fruit, soft tannins, medium body and a plump, generous mouthfeel.

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. In 2013 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.

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