Accolades

“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 across as a bit heavy on the long-lasting finish.”

“Richly flavored and full-bodied, this Cabernet Sauvignon delivers palate coating presence with notes of ripe black plum, spiced cocoa, and a savory finish. The tannins are velvety and persistent through a long, juicy finish.”

“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.”

“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.”

“Juicy, mouthwatering and savory, with flavors of dark fruits, spices, and a coffee accent, this Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied with supple while abundant tannins, balancing acidity, and a very long finish.”

“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.”

“The stunning 2021 ‘Audax’ is a dense and decadent bottling that has a long way to go in the cellar. Stored in 50% new French oak for 27 months, this delivers full-bodied loganberry cordial, mocha, tar and freshly tilled loamy soils on the palate, alongside shades of milk chocolate.”

“This is dense and heady stuff, loaded with black currants, tobacco leaf, blackberry compote and mocha tones. Enjoy now and over the next decade.”

“The palate is framed with fresh acidity and grippy tannins that show the more refined edges. The fruit is a tangy, lovely compote of black cherries and currants, and mixes well with tones of anise, black pepper, rose petals. Plenty of earthy, stony, Napa goodness, and the nuances of cocoa and oak and woven in expertly.”

“A 2019 Napa classic that drinks like a wine two or three times its price.”

“Inviting aromas of wet minerals, black licorice, ground spice, and dried herbs. Full-bodied with silky tannins. Linear and long. Plenty of gravel and wet-stone complexity here. Nicely composed.”

“Aromas of leafy herbs, blackcurrants, wet stone and ink. Full-bodied with soft, silky tannins. Juicy and succulent fruit on the palate, with some lovely mineral notes poking through.”

“This round, robust red has a plush, angelic texture and a dusky core that peeks through an elegant mantle. Flavors of black plum, expresso, and licorice intensify as they cross the palate toward the generous finish.”

“Scents of cassis and blueberry take the lead, with subtle shadings of sage and mocha adding complexity. It’s full-bodied yet silky and suave, with a tight, composed feel on the palate and a lingering finish liberally dusted with soft tannins reminiscent of cocoa powder.”

“Delivers scents of Ribena, sage and a hint of bay leaf on the nose. It's medium to full-bodied, silky in texture …”

“Approximately 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% each Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Audax is impressively dark in the glass, with attractive scents of cassis, mocha and dark chocolate; while it avoids much of the herbal nuance of the 2018, it’s a bit simpler, riper and chunkier in feel.”

“Boasting attractive cedar and cassis aromas as well as more volume on the palate than the 2018. Full-bodied and velvety, it finishes with a touch of licorice.”

“Aromas of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, blackcurrants, dried thyme, vanilla and baking spices. Full-bodied with firm, dense tannins. Rich, ripe and fruity with a creamy texture.”

“Aromas of cassis, blackberry, chocolate, vanilla, peppermint and cedar. Full-bodied with plush tannins. Firm and structured, yet creamy, with a caressing, ripe core of black fruit and sweet spice.”

“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.”

“An inky-purple robe that shades to a magenta rim; iodine, iron and graphite, intense and concentrated blue and black fruit; large-framed, lithe and supple, with huge presence and substance; loads of dusty, graphite-ridden tannins and granitic elements.”

“An accessible yet exceedingly regal red, with pepper and mountain brush emerging through a veil of black cherry and tilled soil.”

“Classic Napa Cabernet done right.”

“From the producer’s Howell Mountain estate, this wine bursts in juicy red fruit and baking spice. It is a lengthy and full-bodied expression of the grape blended with small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Supple tannins show a lasting intensity.”

“Thick and densely built in mocha, sage and cedar. Rich layers of vanilla and milk chocolate give it a roundedness and soft, supple structure.”

“This estate-bottled Cabernet Sauvignon (with small additions of Merlot, Cab Franc and Malbec) is weighty and powerful. Tobacco, slate and espresso manage to arouse both the nose and a palate whose earthiness transitions to plum coated in bittersweet dark chocolate. Venturing from tightly wound to lush, the wine coasts to a velvet-lined finish accented by notes of leather.”

“Black and inky, this wine blends in 13% Merlot and a smidgen of Cabernet Franc. Sandalwood, oak and cigar orbit around a soft, rich and round midpalate that is deftly structured and well-integrated in oak and tannin.”

“Juicy, dusty layers of integrated tannin and oak, with lingering red currant and raspberry fruit. Medium in body and light in mouthfeel, it's softened by the addition of 11% Merlot and a small amount of Cabernet Franc.”

“Blended with small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this wine succeeds in its rich coming-together of plum, lavender and black-currant flavors, the palate densely packed in fruit and tight-grained tannin. Effusively perfumed in oak and cedar, it is nicely integrated and shows great complexity.”

“The palate has a seamless texture and wonderful sense of opulence. Layers of dark fruits combine with dark chocolate shavings, thyme and sweet pipe tobacco with loamy terroir. A complete wine, this is simply marvelous now at the five year mark as the 2015 Audax Cabernet Sauvignon will provide drinking enjoyment for many decades to come.”

“The toasty oak tones neatly combine with layers of dark fruits, fresh thyme and chocolate that all come together aromatically. The palate is velvety with light tannins that frame the core of downright delicious dark fruits with chocolate tones. Fantastic to savor in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well for more than a decade.”

“Black cherry, raspberry preserves, cassis, vanilla, eucalyptus, licorice and oak followed on the palate where the black cherry stole the show. The wine was full-bodied and exhibited excellent length along with big, chewy tannins.”

“A juicy red with currant, light coffee and walnut character. Medium body. Juicy and lightly chewy. Drink or hold.”

“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.”

“Medium to medium-dark ruby; fragrant, floral, blackberry fruit aroma with hints of cassis, cocoa powder, and black olive; full body; rich, rounded, dark fruit flavors with hints of dried herbs and baking spice, and undertones of sweet oak; full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Could use another year or two of bottle aging.”

“Winemaker Cary Gott crafted this small-production blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, which aged 22 months in (40% new) French oak. At 14.8% ABV, it possesses a statuesque and broad-shouldered character. Tarry blackberry, dark chocolate, slate and licorice take command on the palate’s luxurious pinnacle alongside great acidity.”

“Deep, rich and velvety, this has a ton of fine tannins to balance the ripe blackberry, cassis and plum aromas. Although this isn’t tart, beneath the plush exterior is nice freshness that keeps this straight and prevents it from feeling heavy. Lovely interplay between delicately sweet fruit and dry tannins at the long finish. Drink or hold.”

“Plum, olives and pea tendrils emerge as the initial scents before the palate dives into powdery tannins and balanced acidity. With a red-fruited elegance, a core of blackberry and vanilla, and a mocha-oak finish, it takes you on a lengthy journey that’s truly multi-dimensional.”

“Lovely, statuesque, and well-made. A Napa Valley body wrapped in Burgundian structure.”

“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.”

“A heralded vintage in Napa Valley is put on brilliant display here, with layered varietally correct aromas and flavors presented in bold style without going into the overripe zone. It finishes long with depth and good integration of all the elements.”

“The wine showed a dark ruby color. Black cherry, vanilla, eucalyptus, licorice, raspberry preserves and oak all arrived on the nose. Black cherry, vanilla, eucalyptus, raspberry, licorice, cassis and oak followed on a palate that lead off with the perfect balance of cherry and vanilla. The wine exhibited great structure and length, along with big, chewy tannins.”

“Medium ruby; attractive, ripe, cassis and blackberry fruit aroma with spicy notes and hints of cedar, dried herbs, and vanilla; full body; forward, rich, ripe, fleshy, dark fruit flavors with undertones of toasty oak, and a full, plush mouthfeel; full tannin; lingering aftertaste.”

“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.”

“We are now seeing these luscious wines that are elegant and represent the hillside terroir of the Calla Lily Estate vineyard in Pope Valley.”

“Deep purple color. Nose shows tart black currant, juicy blackberries (gorgeous depth of fruit), with complex notes of mint, scorched earth, cocoa nibs, violets, deep but vibrant scents in here. Full but not heavy (14.5% alcohol), held together with sturdy tannins and surprisingly fresh acidity.”

“Deep purple color. Concentrated fruit on the nose (black currant, blackberries and blueberries), with deep violets, spiced black tea, earth, cocoa and mint. Full-bodied, a bit more powerful in its presence than the 2013, but still vibrant acidity, and the tannins are sturdy but show rounded edges.”

“Composed of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Ultimate (a barrel sample) is deep purple-black in color and opens with notions of crushed black cherries, blackberry pie and warm cassis plus suggestions of lavender, black tea, bouquet garni and unsmoked cigars.”

“Dark, pliant and rich, with lovely mid-palate richness, the 2016 has quite a bit to offer. Hints of lavender, spice and new leather add nuance to the textured finish. The 2016 points to a very bright direction here.”

“A barrel sample composed of 92.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.6% Merlot, 3.5% Cabernet Franc and 0.6% Malbec, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Audax has a complex nose of exotic spices, baked cherries and blackberries plus mulberries, baking spices, fallen leaves and pencil shavings hints. Full-bodied, rich and lively in the mouth, it has a firm backbone and a long finish with layers of herbs and spices.”

“A barrel sample … the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Ultimate shows a deep garnet-purple color and nose of cassis, blueberry coulis and black forest cake with hints of dried herbs and vanilla. Big, full, rich and fruity in the mouth with a nice frame of grainy tannins, it finishes long and refreshing.”

“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.”

“A clean and bright red with currant, blueberry and mineral character. Medium to full body, bright acidity and fine tannins. Fresh finish. Delicious now.”

“This wine is deep and seductive, pronounced earthiness of black pepper, medicinal, asphalt, leather, and cocoa powder stand front and center, while cherries, plums, blackberries play a supporting role.”

“This Bordeaux style blend is a deep blackish-purple with layers of complex notes including dark berries, leather, baking spice, dusty earth, cocoa powder, dried lavender and fennel; it is lush on the palate, rich and powerful, yet well integrated with supple tannins and a long finish.”

“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 and cinnamon stick. Medium to full-bodied, it's nicely balanced with bags of poise and firm, fine-grained tannins, finishing long and lively with some earthy nuances coming through.”

“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.”

“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, and the oak is more restrained than it first appears.”

“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 forward fruit that remains well integrated with the other elements through a long, rich finish.”

“This first foray into Pinot Noir shows Gott’s experience, as he nurtures an elegant expression of Carneros fruit, showing aromas and flavors of cherry, rhubarb, Asian spice, damp earth and mild oak char, all finishing long and well integrated.”

“Deep, opulent ruby color. Vivid nose of violets, black currant, black cherry, tarragon, sage, vanilla, clove and butterscotch. I could go on — there’s so much happening in this glass. Dry, with high but balanced acid and tannins. Flavors of black currant, white pepper, butterscotch, lavender, and sage. Keenly balanced. The finish is delightful.”

“A beautiful ruby color. Graceful aromas of roses, cranberry, pomegranate, vanilla, clove, and earth. Dry and medium-bodied with flavors of cranberry, cola, earth, red plum, kirsch, and toast. Slightly acidic, but balanced by a soft, structured mouthfeel.”

“Deep ruby color. Generous nose of black plum, black currant, vanilla, clove, toast, violet, and lavender. Dry with high acid, high tannins and high alcohol. All in balance, and full, full bodied. Flavors of violets, white pepper, bramble, kirsch, and nutmeg. Will undoubtedly benefit from more time in bottle.”

“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.”

“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 some roughness on the finish; full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Approachable now, though deserving a few more years of bottle aging.”

“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.”

“This wine is their flagship and has the Napa Valley goods: rich texture, deep dark-berried fruits and oak complexity. Cabernet sauvignon dominates the blend with petit verdot, merlot and malbec. Poured at a recent wine tasting event, it created some new, instant fans.”

“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 spot-on structure and flavors.”

“A sleek and polished red with blackberry and lavender aromas and flavors. Medium to full body. Silky tannins. Drink or hold.”

“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 big and bold Cab with grown-up structure that will really pop after a few years of cellaring.”

“Cary Gott, a fourth generation California winemaker, has crafted an earthy Pinot, with notes of cherries and red beet root. Tannins are chewy, with heady cedar-rhubarb-mocha accents. The fine acidity shows through.”

“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 the old world.”

“Subdued aromatics. Succulent black-fruit palate with sweet baking spice. Sweet finish.”

“Aromas of blackberries, incense and dried flowers follow through to full body, firm and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Juicy and savory. Drink now.”

“Cellar Selection: The first vintage for a new producer, the winemaker longtime respected consultant Cary Gott, this 100% Cab comes from the eastern slopes of Howell Mountain and Pope Valley. It provides an elegant and yet sizable expression of juicy black fruit, olive, licorice and smoke that spent 25 months in French oak, almost 75% of it new. This one's built to age, too.”