Axios Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • A powerhouse collaboration between proprietor Gus Kalaris and winemaker Bob Egelhoff. The result – a super premium Cabernet Sauvignon of Napa Valley “cult” status.
  • “Axios,” meaning worthy in Greek, reflects Gus’ vision to craft a wine of Bordeaux influence that represents the richness of its’ Napa Valley origin.
  • Fruit comes from the 30 acre Bianchini Ranch on Atlas Peak (Axios purchases most if not all of the entire vineyard’s production each year). This site has a unique, dusty aromatic profile that is readily identifiable in a lineup of Napa Cabernet.
  • While the wine is broad and weighty, alcohol is well in check at 14.4%.
  • Unlike most top end Napa Cabernet only 70% of the wine sees new wood, the remainder in second use barrel.

Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Elaboration: Traditional fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel vats. Aging is completed in 60 gallon French Oak barrels (70% new) for 22 months

Tasting Notes: “The 2012 (once again 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the same aging regimen) is a sexy, dramatic, ostentatious style of Cabernet Sauvignon, with loads of ripe blackberry and blackcurrant fruit, some licorice, graphite and forest floor. It is full-bodied, opulent and sexy.” – Wine Advocate

PRESS

2012 – 94 Wine Advocate

2016 – 93 Wine Advocate |  92 James Suckling | 91 Vinous

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 (2012 – 94 Wine Advocate)
Print rated Shelf Talker (2016 – 93 Wine Advocate)