James Suckling reviewed the 2015 Ultimate Red on December 21, 2017: 92 points: A clean and bright red with currant, blueberry and mineral character. Medium to full body, bright acidity and fine tannins. Fresh finish. Delicious now. A blend of 74.9% cabernet sauvignon, 12.1% cabernet franc, 11.2% merlot, 1.8% malbec. Always delicious. https://www.jamessuckling.com/wine-tasting-reports/napa-valley-dials-balance-hot-2015-vintage-2014-makes-easy/
On December 21 James Suckling reviewed the 2014 Ultimate Red Pinot Noir: 91 points: Aromas and flavors of green tea and dried strawberry with some meat and earth. Full body, chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Big style but dry and intense at the finish. Napa Valley Dials in the Balance in Hot 2015 vintage; 2014 […]
Calla Lily is a new project of Napa Valley icon and true wine Renaissance man, Cary Gott. If you are a northern California wine fan you have likely encountered Cary’s Midas touch throughout Napa, Sonoma, and the Central Coast. With so many great wine accomplishments, I must confess my favorite is Gott’s Roadside, nothing beats […]
In Issue 233 on October 31, 2015 Ultimate Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded 91 points from The Wine Advocate. The review: A blend of 74.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12.1% Cabernet Franc, 11.2% Merlot and 1.8% Malbec, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Ultimate is scented of warm plums and crushed cherries with hints of vanilla, chocolate […]
Dark garnet in color, this wine smells of black cherry and chocolate. In the mouth, rich black cherry, cola, and cocoa powder flavors are muffled under a fleecy blanket of tannins. For those who like big wines, this is a crowd pleaser. A bit massive for my tastes, but reasonably well balanced, nonetheless. Could use […]
Vinography reviews the 2012 Audax: Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of raisins, chocolate and oak. In the mouth, the fruit is fresher than the nose would suggest, with cherry and cola and tobacco flavors tinged with oak and surrounded by a suede blanket of tannins. Decent acidity makes for that fresher quality, […]
Rich Cook reviews the 2012 Audax at WineReviewOnline on July 11, 2017: This audacious debut of a premium label from Calla Lily Wines is a muscular, post-modern take on Napa Cabernet, with bold structure, depth and palate weight. It displays aromas and flavors of blackberry, cassis, pepper and graphite delivered in a dry style, with […]
Rich Cook reviews the 2014 Ultimate Red Pinot Noir at WineReviewOnline on July 4, 2017: Journeyman winemaker Cary Gott brings over twenty wineries worth of experience to this new project, located at what was previously the Budge Brown winery in Pope Valley. This first foray into Pinot Noir shows Gott’s experience, as he nurtures an […]
China is one of the fastest growing global markets for wine today. Based on OIV (International Organization for Vine and Wine) data for 2016, China is now the fifth largest consumer and importer of wines worldwide. And, China is now the second largest country (behind Spain) in terms of surface area under vines. I know, that kind of blew my mind, […]
93 points Lots of blackcurrants, blueberries and walnuts on the nose. Full body, chewy and rich fruit and a firm yet velvety mouthfeel. Needs three or four years to come together. https://www.jamessuckling.com/tasting-notes/62975/calla-lily-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-valley-ultimate-red-2014/ May 5, 2017
The 2014 Ultimate Red Pinot Noir was reviewed in the May issue of California Grapevine: Highly Recommended. Medium-light ruby; spicy, cedary, cherry fruit aroma with earthy and herbal notes; medium to medium-full body; cedary, spicy, cherry and red currant flavors with some plushness in the mouthfeel; medium tannin; lingering aftertaste.
In the May 2017 issue of California Grapevine, the 2013 Ultimate Red Cabernet Sauvignon was rated: Highly Recommended. Medium-dark ruby; ripe, plummy, toasty black cherry and blackberry fruit aroma with hints of tobacco and dried herbs; full body; rich, ripe, currant and dark berry fruit flavors with oaky undertones, a hint of dark chocolate, and […]
In James Suckling’s November 23, 2016 article, The Top 100 Reds of Napa Valley 2016, the 2013 Ultimate Red was awarded 93 points and ranked #87 in the list of 100 wines. 93 points: A sleek and polished red with blackberry and lavender aromas and flavors. Medium to full body. Silky tannins. Drink or hold. […]
93 Points, Gold Medal, Exceptional Dark black ruby color. Fruity aromas of fig bar, chocolate flavored candies, sweet herbs, and cedar incense with a lightly tannic, soft, dryish full body and a complex, medium-long chocolate bread pudding, dried figs, tobacco, and creme brulee finish with cottony tannins and moderate oak. A big velvety Cabernet with […]
94 Points, Gold Medal, Exceptional, Cellar Selection Nearly opaque ruby black color. Complex aromas and flavors of fresh leather, salami, spice drops, and cherry cola with a chewy, vibrant, dryish full body and an epic, very long spiced raisins, pie crusts, anise and cedar, and cassis vinaigrette finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak. A […]
