Kalaris Chardonnay Napa Valley

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Textbook Napa Chard from Red Hen Vineyard in the Oak Knoll district of Napa Valley

Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay

Elaboration: Traditional fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel vats. Ageing is completed in 60 gallon French Oak barrels. 50% new and 50% one year old.

Tasting Notes: “The 2015 Chardonnay Kalaris reveals a tantalizing nose of pink grapefruit, green mango and white peaches with touches of fresh ginger, honeyed toast and orange blossoms. Medium to full-bodied with a lovely creaminess to the texture, it has a refreshing line of acidity cutting through the intense flavors and beautifully lifting the long finish.” – Wine Advocate

PRESS

2015 – 91 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 (2015 – 91 Wine Advocate)