by Calla Lily
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by Calla Lily
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Winethropology tastes the two wines:
What do oligarchs drink on the weekend? Probably this. If they’re lucky, that is. Calla Lily is a relatively young, small production winery founded in 2010 in the Pope Valley, a quiet valley in the northeast corner of Napa county. And Audax is their top tier cabernet label. Packaged in polished, dark, bunker-buster bottles (more than twice the weight of typical 750ml bottles) finished with raised gold lettering and an ancient looking coin emblem, these bottles just look expensive. With that as an introduction, you might expect a viscous, syrupy juice to ease into the glass. Instead, both vintages offered gleaming ruby splashing with confidence. Could the color indicate what was to come in the palate? Both vintages are in possession of unmistakable classic Napa Valley characteristics: prominent nose showcasing the brooding side of cabernet, prodigious fruit, broad shouldered framing from a French oak regimen, and elegant mouth-puckering tannins. Cassis, date, and plum dominate, while suggestions of eucalyptus, vanillin, cedar and dust round out the complex flavor experience. These wines are so clearly siblings, but the 2014 is everything the 2013 is, plus-plus. All the desirable attributes of the 2013 are amplified in the 2014. It’s a more intense version of its slightly older sibling and bangs a strong tannic drum. These sublime wines will go some distance in the bottle stored under the right conditions. Not that I am one to score wine on points, but these are solid 95+ pointers just in case you are looking for a relative gauge of quality.
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From the eastern side of Howell Mountain, this estate grown red is a blend of 89.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.3% Cab Franc, 4.7% Merlot, with a pinch of Malbec. Concentrated and opulent, with creamy boysenberry, black tea, and cinnamon spice. With a high tone profile, and a base of graphite, its athletic prowess is deep-rooted. ~
Steeped plum and blackberry fruit shows good density, while light accents of apple wood, singed anise and bramble add range and texture through the finish. Offers solid grip. Best from 2025 through 2036. 508 cases made. ~ Wine Spectator
From a winery in Pope Valley, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Ultimate Red is a slightly herbal, slightly dusty-earthy wine, with decent underlying cassis and black cherry fruit. It’s full-bodied, framed by similarly dusty tannins and some hints of dry cedar on the finish. — Wine Advocate
A selection of top lots from the estate’s Pope Valley holdings, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Audax saw about 50% new French oak, leaving it with some smoky, toasty nuances on the nose. There are also plenty of sage-like herbal notions, plus cassis, plum and vanilla notes. It’s full-bodied, richly textured and creamy-plush in feel, coming