James Suckling reviewed the 2017 Audax: 90 points: A juicy red with currant, light coffee and walnut character. Medium body. Juicy and lightly chewy. Drink or hold. https://www.jamessuckling.com/tasting-notes/136959/audax-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-valley-2017/
James Suckling reviewed the 2017 Ultimate Red: 93 points: A tight, well-structured red with currant, chocolate and hazelnut aromas and flavors. Medium to full body and a rich palate with juicy fruit, yet there’s underlying freshness and focus. Needs a year or two to come together, but already looking excellent. Better after 2022. https://www.jamessuckling.com/tasting-notes/136947/calla-lily-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-valley-ultimate-red-2017/
The 2016 Calla Lily ‘Ultimate Red’ is comprised of nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (84%) sourced from the 20 acre estate vineyard located in the Pope Valley and is a really good effort by winemaker Cary Gott. Aged for 22 months in 40% new French oak, the toasty oak tones neatly combine with layers of dark
In The Tasting Panel Magazine, March 2019, p. 52: The grapes for this big red from winemaker Cary Gott come from a 95-acre vineyard planted in 1995 on the eastern side of Howell Mountain. A blend of 89.2% Cabernet Sauvignon with 5.2% Cabernet Franc and 5.6% Merlot, the wine spent 27 months in 50% new
A little brother of sorts to the Audax bottlings. Close your eyes and think dark, luxe cabernet made expertly in a classic Napa style. That’s this. April 2019, http://www.winethropology.com/2019/04/speed-dating-notes-from-trade-tasting.html
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
93 Points, Gold Medal, Exceptional, Cellar Selection Dark dusty garnet color. Complex aromas and flavors of cranberry sauce, candied orange peel, tar, and rose petals with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry light-to-medium body and a medium-length fertile earth and cherry cola finish with well-integrated, medium, leafy tannins. A savory Napa Pinot Noir that nods to
