One of the outstanding producers in Paso Robles, Caliza focuses on Rhone style red and white wines, as well as truly unique blends that even incorporate Petite Sirah. 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.
Founded by Carl and Pam Bowker, who planted near L’Aventure and Booker, they very carefully sought a site that had distinct terroir. You can get the flinty and stony character in the wines. Carl Bowker graduated from Napa Valley College’s Viticulture and Enology associate program in 2004 and one year later he and his wife purchased this exciting site. These are unabashedly big wines that show good texture and length.Don’t miss out on the stunning new 2018 Calia ‘Cohort’ Red Wine (OB, 94) which is sinfully good in its youth with its massive depth and concentration. Just as good is the outstanding 2018 Caliza ‘Reserve’ Syrah (OB, 94) which needs a long decant before enjoying but has some serious cellaring potential. Learn more about this outstanding winery from Paso Robles at https://www.calizawinery.com Here are the great new wines by Caliza.
2020 Caliza ‘Pink’ Rose- Fresh and vibrant with a soft texture, the 2020 ‘Pink’ reveals just a kiss of sweetness with its melon and lighter red fruit flavors and stony undertones. Nuanced and showing good finesse, enjoy this great effort over the next few years. Drink 2021-2025- 91
2020 Caliza ‘Kissin Cousins’ White Wine- The 2020 ‘Kissin Cousins’ reveals honeysuckle with bright pear and starfruit tones aromatically. The palate is beautifully textured, showing good weight and flavor density with melon, kiwi and white peach with vanilla cream undertones. Drink 2021-2025- 92
2017 Caliza ‘Cohort’ Red Wine- Inky and brooding in the glass, the 2017 ‘Cohort’ is mainly Petite Sirah 958%) with smaller parts Syrah and Mourvedre. Smoky and earthy on the nose, with high-toned violets and chocolate undertones, the heady aromatics bring you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The palate is dense and chewy with great acidity and viscosity. A massive wall of black and blue fruits greet you with a strong veil of tension and stony minerals on the palate. Seriously good even at the four year mark, this has another decade or more to go. Drink 2021-2031- 94
2018 Caliza ‘Companion’ Red Wine- The 2018 Caliza ‘Companion’ is a silky blend of near equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon (52%) and Syrah (48%). Flinty undertones with smoked brisket and cigar ash alongside blackberry cordial all mark the nose. The palate is dense and rich with a soft mouthfeel and beautiful layers of black fruits as well as espresso bean and pipe tobacco tones. Generous and showing good length, enjoy this outstanding wine over the next ten years. Drink 2021-2031- 93
2018 Caliza Syrah- This 100% Caliza Estate bottling was aged in 60% new French oak before bottling. Round and soft on the mouth, the reveals huckleberry syrup, black tea, exotic spices and chocolate tones on the palate. Full-bodied, yet showing some good acidity, enjoy this beauty over the next decade. Drink 2021-2031- 93
2018 Caliza ‘Reserve’ Syrah- A hedonistic monster of a wine, the 2018 ‘Reserve’ by the talented Carl Bowker is absolutely sensational even in its youth. Creosote and dark currents mingle with chocolate covered espresso bean and black licorice on the nose. The palate is intense and voluptuous with great texture and a weightless experience mid-palate. Sinfully good now, give this at least an hour decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2021-2035- 94