Winemaker Notes
Kalen’s is their “cozy sweater” of a Syrah and it remains one of EK’s most prominent calling cards, consistently bringing them new friends year in, year out. Absolutely stuffed with layers of fruit and lightly accented with French oak and characteristic spice, Kalen’s is undeniably compelling new-world Syrah. What’s not to love about this boisterous, enveloping red that’s also sneakily age-worthy?
Professional Ratings
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Connoisseurs' Guide
If its moniker is a trifle misleading in that this “blend” is, in fact, 100% Syrah, there is no disputing that the title of “Big Boy” is fully deserved. Right from the first, the wine impresses with its generosity and fruity depth but, even more, with its layering and range, and, although not at all stinting in ripeness, it is defined above all else by its marvelously insistent mix of very deep blackberry fruit, creamy oak and earthy spice. Although so rich as to be appealing right now, it is a wine that should be laid away for at least four or five years, and, whether due to forgetfulness or foresight, Syrah fans who happen to discover a few bottles in the cellar a decade should be delighted at what time has wrought.
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Wine Enthusiast
Stemmy, herbal and woody, with a thickness on the palate, this 100% varietal wine is hearty in black pepper, iron and garrigue. Bright jammy flavors of raspberry and red currant compound the concentrated nature of the beast
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
Home to a diverse array of smaller AVAs with varied microclimates and soil types, Sonoma County has something for every wine lover. Physically twice as large as Napa Valley, the region only produces about half the amount of wine but boasts both tremendous quality and variety. With its laid-back atmosphere and down-to-earth attitude, the wineries of Sonoma are appreciated by wine tourists for their friendliness and approachability. The entire county intends to become a 100% sustainable winegrowing region by 2019.
Sonoma County wines are produced with carefully selected grape varieties to reflect the best attributes of their sites—Dry Creek Valley’s consistent sunshine is ideal for Zinfandel, while the warm Alexander Valley is responsible for rich, voluptuous red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are important throughout the county, most notably in the cooler AVAs of Russian River, Sonoma Coast and Carneros. Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Syrah have also found a firm footing here.