by Calla Lily
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by Calla Lily
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Predominantly cabernet, with 4 percent merlot, 3 percent cabernet franc and 1 percent malbec, the Calla Lily Audax Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Napa Valley, aged 27 months in French oak, 50 percent new barrels. The result is a solid, sizable wine with plenty of girth and depth. The color is dark to medium ruby-magenta; the nose displays iodine and mint, iron and graphite that slowly open to notes of spiced and macerated black currants, cherries and plums; on the palate — bastions of dusty, velvety tannins that reach deep and extend in every direction through dark, vibrant acidity and layers of briers, brambles and underbrush; it’s quite dry, yet offers glimmers of juicy black fruit flavors. 14.7 percent alcohol. Production was 268 six-bottle cases. Try from 2023 or ’24 through 2033 to ’35. Very Good+ for now, with Excellent Potential.
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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
