Axios Napa Valley

Axios Napa Valley

 

Sips of the Week

This week Laurie talks with Gus Kalaris, owner of Axios Wines about his newest offerings from the Kalaris Family Vineyards. We’ll find out more about the 2014 harvest California and, of course, we tasted a few of his new wines. Gus Kalaris is the founder and owner of Constantine Wines, a 28 year old wine distribution and import company that has enjoyed a great reputation for premium offerings. Kalaris also founded Axios, a luxury Napa Valley wine brand in 1999 to much acclaim. The success of Axios has spawned the Worthy, Truth and Kalaris brands. Gus, a Greek American, born in Washington, DC is fluent in the Greek language and dedicated to his heritage. Kalaris has received numerous awards and national recognition for his charitable endeavors and serves on many charitable and philanthropic boards including Cystic Fibrosis and the Cal Ripken Sr Foundation. In 2013 Kalaris purchased a home surrounded by over 10 acres of vineyards in Calistoga. His goal is to produce a world class Pommerol-style red blend from the estate under the Kalaris label. Kalaris Family Sauvignon Blanc Estate 2013, Napa Valley Winemaker’s Notes: This 2013 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc is brilliant straw colored. The wine is bursting with melon, lime, passion fruit, lemongrass, lychee, white peach and honeysuckle aromas. The palate expresses focused citrus with hints of lemon curd and stone fruit. It has a rich, creamy mouth feel supported by bright and racy acid. The finish is long and crisp. Worthy Chardonnay KFV 2013, Napa Valley Winemaker’s Notes: A full bodied Chardonnay with a bright underlying acidity. Hints of anise, cardamom and hazelnut. The wine has a creamy mouthfeel, lingering lemon curd and mineral flavors that lead to a lengthy mouthwatering finish. This wine will continue to evolve with time in the bottle. Truth Cuvee de Fume 2013 Santa Ynez (SB, Chenin, Semillon), Central Coast Winemaker’s Notes: The exuberant nature of the 2013 harvest is definitely expressed in this wine. The color is a brilliant lemon with green highlights. Aromas of citrus peel, honeydew melon, lychee and savory herbs – along with a whisper of raw almond. The palate is racy with an integrated mix of lemon-lime, apricot, honeycomb and fig. There is a beautiful balance between acidity and fruit, a hint of lemongrass herbaceousness and a lingering, lively and crisply refreshing finish. Kalaris Family Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Napa Valley Winemaker’s Notes: The inky, purple-colored 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerful effort displaying loads of red and black currants, blackberry, plum, spice box, charcoal, graphite and a meaty, chocolate character. The wine is supported by silky, well integrated tannins providing perfect balance. It is fruit-forward and opulent, with a rich, velvety mouth feel and a finish that seductively lingers long after the final sip.

Upcoming Events

11/6 Oregon Grille Women’s Wine Dinner in Hunt Valley, MD featuring some of Laurie’s favorite wines from Australia!

11/7 Perfect Pairings at the Garrett Jacobs Mansion, $85 Includes Dinner, wines and tasting session with Laurie!


Hire Laurie for your next corporate, client or fundraising event! More info: www.TheWineCoachSpeaks.com

A Special Thanks to Sheehy Lexus of Annapolis and The Oregon Grille 

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