Today we venture south to Paso Robles to share one of the outstanding producers that is relatively new to the game. Last year I had the chance to visit with the talented Caliza winemaker and co-proprietor Carl Bowker. Over the past several years I have been really impressed with these wines. His wines have been steadily improving over the years, as he has faced some challenging, super hot vintages where bright acidity is difficult to attain.
Spanish for “limestone" Caliza has a 20-acre vineyard largely set on limestone soils. 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. It is clear that planting so high has really helped the wines, particularly in the recent hot vintages.
Caliza’s vineyard was planted near L’Aventure and Booker which has proven to be a really good investment. Carl Bowker graduated from Napa Valley College’s Viticulture and Enology associate program in 2004. He has crafted an absolutely awesome new 2019 Caliza ‘Pink’ Rose (WWB, 91) which has a wonderful tension and length. This is a gorgeous summer sipper. The 2017 Caliza Grenache (WWB, 93) is a stunning wine that has a great combination of range and bright acidity with a long, lingering finish. Learn more about these outstanding Paso Robles wins at https://www.calizawinery.com Here are the excellent new wines by Caliza.
2019 Caliza ‘Pink’ Rose- The ‘Pink’ Rose is a seriously good, stand alone Rose wine by Caliza. The smoky tones entice on the nose and mingle with watermelon and rose water on this expressive bouquet. The palate has really good freshnesses and a silky texture. Bright red currants and teaberry flavors dance with smoky and earthy undertones on the palate. Enjoy this great wine over the next several years. Drink 2020-2024- 91
2019 Caliza ‘Kissin Cousins’ White Wine- The ‘Kissin Cousins’ is a really cool blend of Viognier (48%) with Grenache Blanc (30% and Roussanne (12%) that was aged in a combination of stainless steel and concrete prior to bottling. Bright lychee and starfruit with nutty undertones all come together on the nose. The palate has good freshness and a downright silky texture. Layers of green apple, honeydew melon and bright starfruit with nutmeg accents all come together seamlessly on the palate. The freshness and texture of the wine is really outstanding. Great to enjoy right now, the 2019 ‘Kissin Cousins’ will have another five to seven years to go at least. Drink 2020-2027- 92
2017 Caliza Grenache- The 2017 Caliza Grenache was aged for eighteen months in half new French oak prior to bottling. The nose shows ripe red rose petals that meld with red cherry candy and shades of guava with damp earth accents that all take shape in the glass. The palate is dense and plush, showing a bright acidity and seriously good range from red cherry puree to bright guava and starfruit with Mandarin orange rind accents. The finish lingers long on the tongue. Drink 2020-2030- 93
2017 Caliza ‘Azimuth’ Red Wine- The Azimuth is a compelling blend of 48% Mouredre and 35% Syrah with 17% Grenache. Aged in largely used oak, this opens with blood orange zest that meld with red cherry candy and shades of smoked pork shoulder on this compelling nose. The soft texture is seriously good, as is the bright acidity of the wine that runs through the core of red and dark fruits with orange rind and smoky accents. Sensational in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well for another decade, Drink 2020-2030- 93
2017 Caliza ‘Sympatico’ Red Wine- Mainly Tempranillo (72%) with small portions Mourvedre and Grenache, the 2017 ‘Sympatico’ shows lovely scorched earth and tar tones that collide with the deep core of blackberry cobbler and mocha that all mingle in the glass. The palate is dense and shows great texture and mouthfeel. The length and generous dark fruits with chocolate and earthy undertones all come together marvelously on the palate. A complete wine, the 2017 ‘Sympatico’ will cellar well for another decade to come. Drink 2020-2030- 93
2017 Caliza Primitivo- This 100% Primitivo wine was aged for eighteen months in 35% new French oak prior to bottling. Stewed red cherry and rich date aromatics with sassafras accents all come together in the glass. The palate has wonderful freshness and richness with light tannins that line the massive core of dark fruits with chocolate and sagebrush undertones. Marvelous to savor right now, the 2017 Caliza Primitivo will have another decade or more ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 93