KALARIS CABERNET FRANC
2016
The Tasting Panel (Sep 2020) - 94 points - "This focused red shows strength of character with layers of expressive flavors and aromatics. Dried violets and lilacs add a dusted velvet coat, with broad undercurrents of blackberry preserves, cocoa, and pencil shavings. Black cherry liqueur lingers on the finish." (Kalaris Cabernet Franc 2016)
Wine Advocate Robert Parker (Oct 2018) – 94+ points - "The deep purple-black colored 2016 Cabernet Franc Kalaris Family Vineyard Estate features a wonderfully fragrant nose of red roses, lilacs, cinnamon stick and redcurrant jelly over a core of kirsch, black raspberries and black cherry compote plus a waft of pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a great intensity of perfumed red berry flavors and a grainy frame to match, finishing long and vibrant." (Kalaris Cabernet Franc 2016)
Jeb Dunnuck (Jan 2019) – 92 points - "Brought up in slightly more new oak (70%), the 2016 Cabernet Franc is similar inky colored and has darker notes of black cherries, scorched earth, forest floor, and dark chocolate. With tons of black, black fruits, medium to full body, ripe yet present tannins, and a great finish, it's a solid expression of Cabernet Franc to drink over the coming decade." (Kalaris Cabernet Franc 2016)
James Suckling (Oct 2018) – 92 points - "Crushed violets and hints of tabacco with redder-fruit tones, this has freshness and lithe, juicy, cabernet-franc tension on the palate. Energetic finish." (Kalaris Cabernet Fanc 2016)
Kalaris Cabernet Sauvignon
2019
James Suckling (June 2022) – 91 points – "Aromas of redcurrants, cranberries, violets and hazelnuts. Medium-to full-bodied with slightly tight tannins. Bright and fresh on the palate with slightly riper red fruit than the nose suggested. Nice length." (Kalaris Cabernet Sauvignon 2019)
2017
Vinous- Antonio Galloni (Jan 2020) – 92 points - "The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Kalaris Family Vineyard is the most potent and unctuous of these three wines from Gus Kalaris. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, leather, licorice and spice are all amped up in the glass. Readers should expect a flamboyant, full-throttle Cabernet." (Kalaris Cabernet Sauvignon 2017)
2016
Wine Advocate Robert Parker (Oct 2018) – 93 points - "Deep purple-black in color, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Kalaris Family Vineyards comes bounding out of the glass with youthful black plums, blackberries and warm blueberries scents plus hints of dried Provence herbs and lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is bursting with vivacious black fruit, framed by a ripe, grainy texture and finishing on a lingering minty note." (Kalaris Cabernet Sauvignon 2016)
James Suckling (Oct 2018) – 91 points - "A thread of vanillin oak runs through ripe blackcurrants and cherries in a smoothly resolved style that delivers good length and richness on the flavorful finish." (Kalaris Cabernet Sauvignon 2016)
2014
James Suckling (Nov 2019) – 90 points - "A soft and easy red with blackberries and chocolate. Some vanilla, too. Full-bodied, round and easy." (Kalaris Cabernet Sauvignon 2014)
2013
James Suckling (Dec 2016) - 93 points – A desne and liner red with blackcurrant, berry and cherry character. Hints of walnuts and dried herbs. Medium to full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Better in 2019. (Kalaris Cabernet Sauvignon 2013)
Sommelier Challenge - International Wine & Spirits Competion - Robert Whitley (Sept 2016) - Silver (Kalaris Cabernet Sauvignon 2013)
Wine Advocate Robert Parker (Dec 2015) – 90 points - Better, richer, and more expansive and intense than the 2012, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from a hillside in St. Helena as well as from Atlas Peak. Offering greater complexity and fragrance than the 2012, this wine is an intense red/purple color and possesses loads of blackcurrant, licorice, cedar wood, and underbrush in its aromatics. It is medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannin and a nice, plush, long finish. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. (Kalaris Cabernet Sauvignon 2013)
2012
James Suckling (Dec 2016) - 92 points – A fruity and delicious red with plum and blackcurrant character. Medium to full body, medium, velvety tannins and a fresh finish. Drink or hold. (Kalaris Cabernet Sauvignon 2012)
Critics Challenge International Wine Competition (June 2015) – Silver (Kalaris Cabernet Sauvignon 2012)
Beverage Testing Institute (Oct 2014) - 91 points – Gold Medal – “Opaque color. Bright aromas and flavors of boysenberry custard, toffee, and sweet baking spices with a silky, lively, fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, delightful, medium-length finish with notes of cedar, nutskin, and vanilla cream with chewy tannins and moderate oak. A supple, tasty, nicely balanced spicy Napa cabernet with very good depth and structure for the table.” (Kalaris Cabernet Sauvignon 2012)
Kalaris Chardonnay
2018
Wine Advocate Robert Parker (Nov 2019) – 92+ points - "The 2018 Chardonnay Kalaris Family Vineyards opens with expressive honey-drizzled apricots, green guava and fresh pineapple scents plus hints of lemongrass, candle wax and cashews. Medium to full-bodied, with a satiny texture and racy line, it delivers mouth-filling tropical and stone fruit flavors and a savory finish." (Kalaris Chardonnay 2018)
2017
James Suckling (Jan 2020) - 93 points – "An opulent Napa chardonnay with sliced cooked apples, toasted oak and hints of coconut. Full-bodied, flavorful and intense, yet it remains crisp and bright. Like the tense texture on the palate." (Kalaris Chardonnay 2017)
2015
The Tasting Panel (Sep 2020) - 93 points - "The well-drained, gravelly soil of Oak Knoll District’s Red Hen Vineyard is the source for this elegant, hedonistic Chardonnay, which offers rich notes of pineapple with a custard mouthfeel. Candied ginger, apricot, and jasmine tea show off their opulence." (Kalaris Chardonnay 2015)
Wine Advocate Robert Parker (Oct 2017) - 91 points – "The 2015 Chardonnay Kalaris reveals a tantalizing nose of pink grapefruit, green mango and white peaches with touches of fresh ginger, honeyed toast and orange blossoms. Medium to full-bodied with a lovely creaminess to the texture, it has a refreshing line of acidity cutting through the intense flavors and beautifully lifting the long finish." (Kalaris Chardonnay 2015)
2014
James Suckling (Mar 2017) - 93 points – "Wonderful density and complexity with cooked apple, mineral and light vanilla character. Full body, phenolic tension and a long and flavorful finish. Still tight at the moment. Shows wonderful length." (Kalaris Chardonnay 2014)
Sommelier Challenge- International Wine & Spirits Competition-Robert Whitley (Sept 2016) – Silver (Kalaris Chardonnay 2014)
2012
Beverage Testing Institute (Oct 2014) - 92 points – Gold Medal – “Golden straw color. Lively interesting aromas and flavors of cornichon, grilled pineapple, and roasted nut brittle with a supple, crisp, under-carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, intriguing, medium-long finish with impressions of spiced apple and honeyed lemon with silky tannins and light oak. A delicious, stylish chardonnay with distinctive aromatics and fine tuned balance.” (Kalaris Chardonnay 2012)
Critics Challenge International Wine Competition (June 2015) – 90 points, Gold (Kalaris Chardonnay 2012)
2011
Beverage Testing Institute - 91 points – Gold Medal – “Exceptional” “Toasted oak, stone fruit and green apple notes encapsulate the lovely bouquet. Later got a nice hint of butter cream and kiwi. Rich entry, supple flavors with an upturned finish. Very elegant and Burgundian in style.” (Kalaris Chardonnay 2011)
Wine Enthusiast (March 2013) - “This boasts citrus fruit, lemongrass and buttercream flavors that are brightened by zesty acidity. It’s clean and complex, and it’s a fine wine to drink with shellfish in rich buttery sauces.” (Kalaris Chardonnay 2011)
Kalaris Merlot
2017
Wine Advocate Robert Parker (Oct 2019) – 91 points - "The 2017 Merlot Kalaris Family Vineyards is made of 76% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Franc from the Kalaris Estate plus 8% Cabernet Sauvignon from Atlas Peak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it displays notes of baked plums, warm blackberries and fruitcake plus hints of cloves, dried mint and dark chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, chewy texture and plenty of freshness to support the minted plum flavors." (Kalaris Merlot 2017)
2014
James Suckling (Nov 2019) – 92 points - "A leaner style of merlot with some red fruit on the nose, as well as licorice and anisette undertones. Some herbs, too. Medium body with silky mouth feel. Well-balanced and fresh through the finish. A blend of 78% merlot and 22% cabernet sauvignon." (Kalaris Merlot 2014)
Sommelier Challenge- International Wine & Spirits Competition-Robert Whitley (Sept 2016) – Silver (Kalaris Merlot 2014)
2013
Sommelier Challenge International Wine Competition (September 2015) – WINE OF THE YEAR – Best of Show (Red) – 97 points - Platinum (Kalaris Merlot 2013) - A panel of advanced and master sommeliers at the 7th annual Sommelier Challenge International Wine Competition loved this Napa Valley Merlot, and it's easy to see why. With firm structure and richly layers red and black fruits, it could easily pass for a Right Bank Bordeaux. Aromas of plum, blueberry and blackberry dominate this wine that exhibits impressive dimension and weight. The wood note hangs judiciously in the background, lending hints of vanilla and spice. I wouldn't hesitate to lay it down for a decade or longer. 97 Robert Whitley Sep 15, 2015) (Kalaris Merlot 2013)
Kalaris Pinot Noir
2014
Sommeliers Choice Awards (2020) – Double Gold, 98 Points, Wine of the Year (Kalaris Pinot Noir 2014)
2013
Beverage Testing Institute (Dec 2016) – Silver – “Bright burnt sienna color. Aromas and flavors of cherry, dried herbs and menthol, dried leaves and tree bark, and loess with a tart, dry full body and a medium-length finish with earthy, leafy tannins and moderate oak. A very good example.” (Kalaris Pinot Noir 2013)
2012
Sommelier Challenge- International Wine & Spirits Competition-Robert Whitley (Sept 2016) – Silver (Kalaris Pinot Noir 2012)
2011
Wine & Spirits (Feb 2015) – 94 points – “Constantine “Gus” Kalaris, longtime proprietor of the East Coast distributor-importer Constantine Wines, started his Napa-based Axios label in 1999 and launched Kalaris in 2009. Bob Egelhoff made this wine, working with a leased vineyard in the Petaluma Gap to turn out a subtle, gracious pinot noir with appetite-inducing scents of rose petal and mushroom. Underneath its savory layers, the tannins show through with a texture that’s as cool and fine as damp sandstone, coastal acidity giving it a bright persistence. Serve it now or in a few years at an autumn feast graced by game birds and plenty of wild mushrooms.” (Kalaris Pinot Noir 2011)
Beverage Testing Institute (Oct 2014) - 90 points – Gold Medal – “Dark ruby color. Lively aromas and flavors of baked cherries, banana nut muffin, and delicate pickling spices with a silky, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an effortless, appealing, medium-length finish with notes of chestnut, minerals, cashew butter, and rhubarb with silky tannins and light oak. An elegant and polished pinot for the table.” (Kalaris Pinot Noir 2011)
Critics Challenge International Wine Competition (June 2015) – 93 points, Gold (Kalaris Pinot Noir 2011)
2010
Wine Enthusiast (March 2013) - 90 points – Cellar Selection - “Tannic, dry and acidic now, this doesn’t offer much of the immediate opulence found in many California Pinot Noirs. The richness is in there, but it’s buried. The sweet core of cherries, currants, exotic spices, mushrooms and minerals is just waiting for time to release it.” (Kalaris Pinot Noir 2010)
2009
Wine Advocate (Dec 2012) - 90 points - “The 2009 Pinot Noir shows the pure pedigree and class of this great Pinot vintage. Round, vinous and inviting, the 2009 wraps around the palate with juicy dark berries, licorice, mint and sweet spices. Radiant and expressive, the 2009 stands out for its terrific balance and overall sense of harmony. A rich, creamy finish rounds things out in style." Antonio Galloni (Kalaris Pinot Noir 2009)
Kalaris Sauvignon Blanc
2013
Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (Dec 2014) – 91 points - “Bright, energetic and still fairly nervy with deep and defined fruit leading the way, this vibrant, generously filled youngster displays fine varietal range and hits all of the right marks from melons and citrus to fresh grass and green tea. It is substantial stuff, to be sure, but it is exceptionally well-balanced as well, and, if its enthusiastic endorsement comes with the slight caveat that it be allowed to briefly rest in the cellar, it is a Sauvignon Blanc on track to age famously.” (Kalaris Sauvignon Blanc 2013)
Critics Challenge International Wine Competition (June 2015) – 91 points – Gold (Kalaris Sauvignon Blanc 2013)