KALARIS PINOT NOIR

SONOMA COAST, CALIFORNIA 2012

I have a soft spot for Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir – there’s a sense of energy and tension that works to the overall balance of the overt fruit that draws me to the wines of this region. Add to this the tendency for California Pinot Noir to be exceptionally inviting and accessible and you end up with a perennial favorite that’s usually consumed immediately upon release. As much as California’s Pinot Noirs are tasted, scored and purchased long before they have time to develop in the cellar, it’s a rarity to find a producer that will hold back their wines more than a few years. Generally speaking, it’s rare to find a Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir whose current release is 6+ years old (for a reasonable price) – but that’s exactly what we found for our offer today. Kalaris 2012 Pinot Noir is a rewarding reminder of what benefits come from age with a wine of exceptional quality. True to form – its plush, succulent and inviting dark berry fruit is radiant and expressive, with just the right touch of mint, crushed rock and hint of sweet spice.
 

Produced by one of Napa Valley’s most sought-after winemakers, Robert Egelhoff, Kalaris Pinot Noirs “are the highlight among numerous wines…from Gus Kalaris” (Antonio Galloni, Vinous). Showing pure pedigree and class, it’s easy to see the connection between Kalaris Pinot Noir and Egelhoff, who launched his career as vineyard manager for Beckstoffer Vineyards and honed his winemaking skills at Harlan, Pahlmeyer, Merryvale Vineyards, Bella Vista, Amizietta and Robert Craig. With a Wine Spectator Wine of the Year Award awarded to his David Arthur Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Elevation 1147 which catapulted him to cult winemaker status, he’s now directing his attention to his work with Gus Kalaris and his portfolio of premium California wines. Under the luxury Napa Valley wine brand Axios, Kalaris Pinot Noir is sourced from a vineyard in the southeast part of the Sonoma Cost. Using a blend of the Pommard clone and clone 115, the grapes are hand sorted, using a gentle punch down, and carefully extracted for maximum flavor. Aged in 1/3 new French Oak for 18 months and held for 6 years prior to release, this wine exhibits the ethereal beauty that Pinot Noir can attain with extra time in bottle. Though we won’t stop searching for well-priced wines, this is a rare opportunity to buy a world-class Pinot Noir with age for an incredible deal. For one week, we’re offering up to 25% off this over-achieving beauty. Don’t miss this chance to stock your cellar before it’s gone!