Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/91577
APPELLATION As we tasted through the 2010 vintages, we began to notice an underly- ing floral influence of violets or potpourri throughout all the wines. Bowker pointed out that in 2010 they experienced heavy rainfall which turned all the hillsides blue with Lupin, an aromatically sweet perennial. Is it theory or is it terroir? 2010 Caliza Azimuth ($48) Although the makeup of this GSM blend changes year to year, the 2010 is one of the best showings yet. Based on a heavy percentage of Mourvedre, the wine is dark and sultry, with a rich palate of spicy Mayan chocolate, black pepper and brooding fruit. The wine is very young, yet the tannins are velvety and integrate nicely with the spiciness of the fruit. 2010 Caliza Syrah $48 An arrestingly exotic nose of violets and black pepper. The palate is a beautiful core of rich black cherry with matching acidity that balances the lush fruit. A powerful yet elegant example of Syrah. CALIZA In 2002, impenetrable night fog led Carl Bowker and his wife, Pam, to make an unexpected stop just north of Paso Robles on their way to San Diego. In search of coffee, the Bowkers found themselves at the Paso Robles Inn, where the region's unassuming rustic appeal enticed them to stay and explore the local wine country. Three years later, the Bowkers found themselves breaking ground in the Templeton Gap nextdoor to their high- profile neighbors, including L'Aventure and Booker. Being in good company, the Bowkers knew that their site would produce amazing fruit, all they had to do was plant it. Early on, while he waited to build his facility for Caliza, Carl Bowker made his wines under the rooftop of Booker winery where he collaborated with many other young producers including Scott Hawley of Torrin Wines. "There were four of us who were all getting started at the same time," Bowker explained, "I used to describe it as a little incubator of up and coming wine producers." 86 / the tasting panel / november 2012