You’d probably have to reach back to the 2006 or 2009 vintages to find a Kalen’s this unapologetically opulent and precocious at such an early stage of its life. Luxurious fruit, smoke and spice are already knitted together and practically leap from the glass. Tannins are present but surprisingly poised and the texture is velvet glory. Longtime list members will be shocked to hear us say this, but don’t be afraid to pull a cork soon and give it a try! That being said, the 2015 Kalen’s will age like a champion as always.
We pressed our Steiner Vineyard Syrah before the finish of fermentation to attenuate the massive Sonoma Mountain tannins that make up the backbone of Kalen’s every year. Next, an old block of 470 clone from Atoosa’s Vineyard reached its apex in 2015, contributing more than ever to our celebrated blend. Rounding out the complexities of the finished wine, Las Madres Vineyard offers some wonderful savory notes to go along with all the exuberant fruit. We kept Syrah fermentation temperatures a bit cooler than usual across the board to help preserve a fruity freshness to balance the natural concentration of 2015. The result is a show stopper of a wine that holds its place beautifully in the long and celebrated line of Kalen’s Big Boy blends dating all the way back to 2004. We are super pleased and know you will be too!
DRINKING WINDOWS
Prime drinking: late 2018 through 2023 Graceful ageability: 2024 through 2026
VINEYARDS
62% Atoosa's, 29% Steiner, 9% Las Madres
CLONES
36% 470, 20% Alban 1, 23% 174, 9% Alban Powerblock, 8% 877, 4% 300
STATS
pH: 3.67 | TA: 6.3 g/L | Alcohol: 15.2% Bottling: May 22, 2017 | Pre-Release: Fall 2017 Cases Produced: 279
Direct sales are allocated exclusively to EK Allocation List members at a 10% discount. Orders of 6+ bottles save an additional 50% off shipping. New releases ship twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. Join EK Allocation List
CUSTOMIZED ALLOCATIONS
You may customize your spring and fall allocations any way you like, from 0–12 bottles of each wine. (Small-lot and list-only wines will have lower limits.) To modify your allocations, click on MY ALLOCATION above. Join EK Allocation List
REORDERS
Wines often sell out at or close to release, so we encourage making the most of your spring and fall allocations. As long as wine remains, you are welcome to reorder online through our EK Special Order store. Or contact John Gillis at john@erickentwines.com or 415.244.9453.
