Caliza Winery

A Passion for Rhone Wines Unveiled

Paso Robles, California - Life's twists and turns often lead us down unexpected paths, and the story of Carl Bowker is a perfect testament to this. Born outside the winemaking realm, Carl's journey took an intriguing detour. As the owner of horticultural service companies, he experienced a transformative moment during a visit to the vineyards of Tuscany in 2001. Inspired by the allure of winemaking, Carl made a decisive career shift, enrolling in a viticultural and winemaking program in Napa.

From the outset, Carl's vision was clear - he aimed to focus on Rhone varietals. Serendipitously, while en route to San Diego, Carl and his wife stumbled upon the vineyards of Paso Robles. Captivated by the region's charm, he felt an instant connection and realized it was the perfect place to establish his Rhone wine program. They decided on acquiring vineyards in the western part of the appellation, specifically within the Willow Creek district, where Carl was drawn to the steep slopes, dramatic diurnal temperature shifts, and limestone-rich soils.

In the vineyards, organic farming practices reign supreme, aligning with Carl's commitment to sustainability. The primary grape variety cultivated is Syrah, accompanied by Grenache and Mourvedre, which contribute to the assortment of red Rhone varietals. Additionally, smaller quantities of Petit Verdot, Tannat, Petite Sirah, Tempranillo, and Primitivo have found their place in the vineyard. On the white side, cooler parcels are home to Roussanne and Viognier, lending their elegance to the winery's portfolio.

While Carl delights in working among the vines, he is equally involved in the winemaking process. He likes to consider himself as a craftsman in the cellar, he approaches each vintage without predetermined recipes, adapting his techniques to the unique qualities and style of the harvest. The overarching goal is to produce consistently high-quality wines year after year.

Contact:

Website: Caliza Winery

Address: 2570 Anderson Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446

Phone: 805-237-1480

Caliza Winery tasting Room

Hillsides vineyards located behind the winery

With a keen focus on accentuating the varietal expression, Carl emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance on the palate, with acidity and tannic structure playing vital roles. Notably, the vineyards' microclimate contributes to wines with higher natural acidity - a distinguishing characteristic. The culmination of meticulous vineyard work and cellar craftsmanship is exemplified in Caliza's offerings - rich, full-bodied wines that authentically reflect the vineyards and climate while retaining a harmonious palate and impressive length. In a state like California, where overripeness can become a pitfall, Carl's commitment to balance is commendable.

Carl considers Syrah the star performer in his vineyards, believing it possesses inherent qualities that allow him to craft exceptional wines. This noble grape takes center stage, producing both the winery's flagship wine and a barrel-selected reserve vintage annually. Another noteworthy contender is Mourvedre, which thrives in the microclimate's warm embrace and benefits from significant diurnal temperature fluctuations. This versatile varietal plays a vital role in Caliza's GSM blend, aptly named Azimuth. Among Carl's personal favorites is the white varietal Roussanne, lauded for its ability to produce complex, age-worthy wines. Regrettably, due to viral infection, the vineyard had to be uprooted, halting the production of Roussanne for now.

Notable Wines Tasted:

Azimuth 2020 - GSM Blend: This captivating wine showcases the terroir's capacity to yield rich, full-bodied wines that maintain an exquisite balance on the palate. Mourvedre takes center stage, offering a velvety mouthfeel accompanied by complex aromas of dark berries, herbs

Syrah 2019The more restrained nose gives away to a beautiful, well defined palate showing off intense blueberry, peppery aromas typical of the varietal. This rich palate shows a long finish and will definitely age gracefully.

Tasting Wines with Carl