2016 Caliza Syrah

About Caliza Syrah 2016:

Excellent cellar wine: drink now through 2031.

Tasting Notes:

Inviting aromas of cassis, sharp purple flowers, espresso bean and charred wood float across the nose on this bottling. The palate is lively with mocha and cappuccino-foam flavors that are well integrated into the black-currant fruit, and the acid powers deeply into the finish.

Growing Notes:

28-acre vineyard is located in the Willow Creek AVA of Paso Robles and directly in line with what is called the “Templeton Gap.” This area is distinctly known for its large diurnal swings brought on by the cool ocean breeze that is pulled in through a gap in the ridgeline of the Santa Lucia Mountain range. Daytime temperatures from May to September can range from 75˚F up to 115˚F but in the evening drop by over 50˚F. The hot days allow for full phenolic ripeness while the cool nights allow for the vines to recover and the fruit to hold onto its natural acidity. Although generally still a warm growing region, the cooler temperatures on the property separate the vineyard from many of the other regions in the greater Paso Robles AVA. Yearly average rainfall is historically only between 15 to 20 inches per year.

Barrel Selection:

20 months in 75% new French oak

Winemaking Notes:

100% Syrah from Paso Robles – Willow Creek District

About The Winery:

The name Caliza came from a desire to link the winery to its surroundings. After days of suggestions, a brief search yielded the Spanish word for limestone. Being that Caliza lies on a thin band of limestone running along the Santa Lucia Mountain range, it was a natural choice.

Carl Bowker, the owner of Caliza Winery, has followed a long yet steady path towards his goal of producing exceptional estate driven wines. Born and raised in Hawaii, Carl began his farming experience while tagging along with his father, an irrigation specialist to the local farms. This early introduction left a lasting impression and true appreciation for soils and the farming life. Little did he realize that this childhood curiosity would lead him to the special soils of Paso Robles, California.

Carl’s affection for wine turned into an obsession shortly after September 11, 2001 during a visit to Europe. It was there that he expanded his appreciation for world class wines and for what the land could produce. While there, Carl and his wife Pam got to spend time with many of the regions’ finest wine producing families. He attentively listened to the details of wine production and noticed the special connection the families had with their land. From this experience, Carl vowed that he would make this the way of living life for himself and his family.

Upon returning from Europe, the search to locate a vineyard property to grow superior wine grapes ensued. As with many pioneers before them, they chose Paso Robles, California due to its soils, microclimates, and upside potential for growing world-class grape varietals from the Rhone Valley region of France.

With his desire to become a winemaker and viticulturist Carl attended Napa Valley College’s Viticulture and Enology associate program and completed it in 2004. With all things moving toward the vision of producing special wines, Carl and Pam ventured to the Rhone Valley of France. It was there that the die was cast. It was to be old world wine in the new world that he would make. Deep, opulent and complex Syrah of the Northern Rhone, Grenache-based blends of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Viognier-based white wines were what would be produced at the family’s Caliza Winery in Paso Robles.

In 2005 the quest ended and the vision began when Carl and Pam planted their 20 acre hillside vineyard. Located on Anderson Road in the famed Templeton Gap on the Westside of Paso Robles, the warm days are met with the cooling evening influences of the coastal marine breezes.