When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading. --Henny Youngman

Calix Cellars Syrahs are made in small lots using different methods and a variety of fermentation vessels to capture new and old world characteristics. The wines are aged in French oak barrels for 20 months, using 20% to 80% new barrels, depending on the stage of the wine.

Parmalee-Hill Syrah

The vineyard is located just southwest of the town of Sonoma, in the cool rolling hills bordering on the Los Carneros appellation. The Calix blocks of Syrah are southeast facing hillsides that harness the sun and heat, assuring true maturity and ripeness in this region. The resulting wines are complex and balanced from start to finish. A core of concentrated blueberry and rhubarb fruit is wrapped with tiers of tobacco, earth and brown sugar through the aromatics and mid-palate. The finish has subtle hints of cream and maple that linger on and on with the juicy tannins.

Masked Man Syrah

The 2004 vintage set records for one of the earliest in history, with Spring arriving in February and some crops completely harvested by mid-September. Picking during these long hot days will stress plants, lower fruit yields, and concentrate flavors. Our estate vineyard located between St. Helena and Calistoga on the Silverado Trail produced wines with tremendous depth and complexity. Our four clones of Syrah bring different strengths to the final blend creating a complete wine with powerful flavors and elegant structure. Deep raspberry, cedar and floral aromas lead to a thick mouthful of blueberry and sweet leather. The balance between spice, fine tannin and rich black fruit carry this Syrah to a graceful finish.

Masked Man Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Rudy Zuidema has a passion for Syrah, but after 13 years crafting some of Napa Valley's most exciting Cabernets, planting just a few vines of Cab to round out the Masked Man Vineyard just had to be. Turns out, both our Syrah and Cabernet clones thrive in the rich organic Calistoga soil and we are proud to debut Calix Masked Man Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 142 cases of killer Napa Valley Cabernet with succulent crushed berry aromas leading to youthful Cabernet flavors of pure bright fruit, white pepper and sage. The fine French oak profile seamlessly integrates with the focused band of fruit and finishes with Rudy's signature ripe and silky tannins. Enjoy while it lasts!

Cheers! Rudy Zuidema, winemaker