One of the outstanding producers in Paso Robles, Caliza, Spanish for "limestone", 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. He continues craft wines that are big but showcase brilliant acidity and mouthfeel. I love the new 2016 Calia Roussanne (OB, 93) which saw considerable barrel age and is round and generous. Just as good is the delightful 2018 Caliza Grenache (OB, 93) which is very floral and pretty with a great sense of texture and length. Learn more about this great Paso Robles winery at https://www.calizawinery.com Here are the outstanding new wines by Caliza.
2016 Caliza Roussanne- The 2016 Caliza Roussane saw some extended aging and shows off its golden hue in the glass. The wine is intense, with honey and beeswax flavors alongside shades of Marcona almond and apricot on the palate. Full-throttle and not for the weary, this packs a viscous punch and has the acidity to back everything up. Gorgeous to savor in its youth, this beautiful wine has another seven years to go. Drink 2021-2027- 93
2019 Caliza Viognier- The 2019 Caliza Viognier shows beautiful honeysuckle tones alongside cantaloupe, wet stone and green apple on this great bouquet. The palate shows off a rich texture with gobs of mouth-watering acidity that cascade through a core of apple, kiwi and melon fruits. This is seriously good stuff by the talented Carl Bowker that is a slice of sunshine. Drink 2021-2026- 92
2018 Caliza ‘Azimuth’ Red Wine- A compelling blend of 50% Mourvedre with smaller parts Grenacheand Surah, this shows red rose petals with red currants and red cherry candy with orange rind tones on the nose. The palate has a great core of red and dark fruits with stony minerals and citrus rind tones. This is sensational in its youth and will cellar well for ten to fifteen years. Drink 2021-2033- 93
2018 Caliza Grenache- This 100% Grenache wine was aged in 42% concrete before bottling. Orange blossom with ripe guava and strawberry tones fill the nose. The freshness and texture of thew wine is really outstanding as brilliant and bright red fruits collide with minerals, blood orange zest and stony undertones. This has good density but also comes off as very pretty wine. Drink 2021-2031- 93
2018 Caliza Mourvedre- The nose here is smoky and downright awesome with its core of roasted figs, coffee grounds and bulls blood with white pepper tones. The palate is lithe and very light on its feet. The freshness of thew wine almost takes you back.Rich dark currants and blackberry compote mingle with smoked brisket and milk chocolate on the palate. This has really good length, finesse and richness. Drink 2021-2033- 93
2018 Caliza ‘Sympatico’ Red Wine- The ‘Sympatico’ red wine is a gorgeous new bottling made of mostly Tempranillo with a small amount of Grenache blended in. The nose is delightfully smoky and savory with bacon fat, tar, black licorice and loamy soils. The mid-palate ripeness and tension here is outstanding. The firm tannins hold the core of dark fruits and coffee grounds together. This is brilliant stuff to enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2021-2033- 93
2018 Caliza Primitivo- This novel Zinfandel is truly an amazing effort from this great vintage in Paso Robles. The combination of weight and acidity here is truly amazing. Layers of ripe dark currants, tobacco leaf, roasted dates and espressos bean with blueberry tone all brilliantly meld in the glass. Fresh and vibrant with incredible tension, this beautiful wine will enjoy another ten to fifteen years ahead of it. Drink 2021-2033- 94