One of the outstanding relatively new Paso Robles projects, Caliza is Spanish for "limestone", which is connects the name to the 20-acre Caliza vineyard. The vineyard is predominantly comprised of hillsides with south-facing slopes which leads to maximum sun exposure.. Set at 900-1200 feet above sea level in Templeton Gap area, the vineyard faces strong diurnal shifts which creates some nice tension in the wines.
Caliza is spearheaded by Carl and Pam Bowker, who planted near L’Aventure and Booker. This was clearly a smart investment. Carl Bowker graduated from Napa Valley College’s Viticulture and Enology associate program in 2004. One year later he purchased this exciting site. His wines were excellent across the board. One of the best Rose wines out of Paso, the 2016 Caliza ‘Pink Wine’ Rose (WWB, 91) has marvelous tension and purity of fruit. This is the perfect wine for the last few warm days. I was very impressed with the 2014 Caliza Syrah (WWB, 93) which has marvelous weight but also wonderful tension. This great wine will cellar marvelously for a decade or more. Learn more about this great Paso Robles winery at https://www.calizawinery.com Here are the great new wines by Caliza.
2016 Caliza 'Pink Wine' Rose- This is a pretty serious Rose wine by Caliza. Aromatically reticent at first, the wine slowly unveils a bouquet of rose petals, watermelon and guava. A touch of sweetness and a ton of structure, the wine shows downright delicious flavors of cantaloupe, red cherry candy and watermelon. This is an awesome effort by Caliza. Drink 2017-2022- 91
2015 Caliza 'Kissin' Cousins' White Wine- The 'Kissin' Cousins' by Caliza is a fantastic blend of Viognier, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne. The wine opens with aromatics of lychee, pink grapefruit blossom and white peach. The mouthfeel is lush, and the tension very strong, as the wine reveals ripe nectarine, lemon vanilla cream and Welches white grape juice flavors. This is a fantastic effort here by Caliza. Drink 2017-2022- 91
2014 Caliza Syrah- Sourced from the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles this inky colored Syrah impresses from another drought vintage. Head winemaker Carl Bowker has crafted a highly perfumed Syrah with aromatics of creme de cassis, rose petals, red bell pepper and tobacco leaf with red cherry compote. The fruit weight is evident but the acidity balances things out. Layered and dark fruit driven on the palate, this finishes with roasted figs and milk chocolate. Downright delicious, enjoy this great effort over the next decade. Drink 2017-2027- 93
2014 Caliza 'Azimuth' Red Wine- This is a compelling blend of 38% Mourvèdre, 33% Grenache and 29% Syrah. Mocha, crushed mint and red cherry compote flavors impress out of the gate. The mouthfeel is really plush and lovely. Creme de cassis, mocha and red cherry flavors impress alongside some nice structure. Drink 2017-2026- 92
2013 Caliza 'Cohort' Red Wine- The 'Cohort' by Caliza is a blend of 63% Syrah with 19% Petit Sirah, and 9% Primitivo. This densely colored wine begins with aromatics reminiscent of coffee grounds, tar, black tea and black cherry compote. Mocha, smoked meats, anise and creme de cassis flavors are gorgeous. Intense, with lovely fruit weight, this wine is a gorgeous blend from an exceedingly hot vintage. Drink 2017-2024- 93
Â