Worthy Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley “Sophia’s Cuvée”

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Gus and Bob assemble this cuvée from declassified barrels of Axios Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Unlike Axios, this wine is designed for immediate enjoyment yet has dense structure allowing for long term aging.
  • This wine enjoyed overnight success when it stormed into the market with the 2001 vintage, instantly making its way onto the Wine Spectator’s “Top 100” list.
  • Worthy is the English translation of the Greek word “Axios”

Varietal Composition: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petite Verdot

Elaboration: Traditional vinification occurs in temperature controlled stainless steel vats. Aging is completed in 60 gallon French Oak barrels (50% new) for 20 months.

Tasting Notes: “The 2012 Worthy Sophia’s Cuvee is rich garnet in color. Brilliant notes of red and black berries leap from the glass with a hint pencil lead. Smooth, sweet tannins frame the unctuous mouthfeel, dazzling with a balance of rich complexity and fresh acidity. Blackberry flavors intermingled with ripe cherry dance in the mouth, while layers of dark chocolate, bittersweet cocoa, cassis, earthy minerality, a touch of sweet spice and the suggestion of cedar linger through an endless finish.” – Sommelier Challenge International Wine Competition

PRESS

2012 – 90 James Suckling

2017 – 90 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 – 90 James Suckling)
Print rated Shelf Talker (2017 – 90 Vinous)