AXIOS CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2017
Wine Advocate Robert Parker (Oct 2019) – 93 points - "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Axios comes charging out of the glass with expressive crème de cassis, minted blackberries and Black Forest cake notes with hints of dried sage, tilled soil and chargrill. Full-bodied, the palate is solidly built with firm, ripe, grainy tannins and oodles of freshness supporting the dense black fruit layers, finishing on a lingering herbal note." (Axios 2017)
Vinous Antonio Galloni – 92 points - “Thee 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Axios is bold, punchy and extremely expressive. Super-ripe red cherry, plum, espresso, mint and raspberry jam all run through this expressive, exotically opulent Cabernet Sauvignon from Gus Kalaris. This is very nicely done. Drink it over the next decade.” (Axios 2017)
2015
Wine Sommeliers Choice Awards (2021) – 91 points - Hints of unripened red plum, cassis, and bing cherry. A silky textured wine with layers of refinement from nuanced berries to dried herbs to baking spices." (Axios 2015)
Tastings.com – 95 points - "Black violet color. Aromas of spiced cherry chutney, tarragon, cafe latte, leather, and toasted hazelnut with a tannic, lively, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, very complex, very long aniseed, cinnamon toast, raspberry tart, and black olives finish with heavy oak flavor. A mature, persuasive Cabernet Sauvignon with impact." (Axios 2015)
2014
Wine Advocate Robert Parker (Dec 2015) – 91-93+ points - A barrel sample of the 2014 Axios shows the vintage’s charming, almost Margaux-like lusciousness. Upfront, ample fruit, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, sweet, low tannin and adequate acidity, it will be drinkable early and should keep for 15 or so years (Axios 2014)
2013
Wine Advocate Robert Parker (Dec 2015) – 96 points - The 2013 looks to be the finest Axios since the 2007, 2006, 2002 and 2001, all wines I rated in the mid- to upper-90s. Also 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has a dense purple color and a beautiful nose of blueberry and blackberry fruit along with some graphite, violets, and background toasty oak. It is slightly higher in alcohol than its siblings at 14.5%. It is a beauty -- multi-layered, textured and full-bodied, with sweet tannin and nicely integrated acidity, wood, alcohol and tannin. Drink it over the next 20-25 years. (Axios 2013)
The Tasting Panel (September 2020) – 94 points - "With a nose of summer ripe blackberry, sweet figs, and espresso, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon points to a powerhouse plate. Melting dark chocolate is luxurios, surrounded by sweet earth, caramel-dates, slate, and a meaty texture." (Axios 2013)
2012
Wine Advocate Robert Parker (Dec 2015) – 94 points - The 2012 (once again 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the same aging regimen) is a sexy, dramatic, ostentatious style of Cabernet Sauvignon, with loads of ripe blackberry and blackcurrant fruit, some licorice, graphite and forest floor. It is full-bodied, opulent and sexy. Interestingly, I would have thought the natural alcohol was higher than the 2011, but they were both analyzed and found to have identical alcohol levels of 14.4%. Nevertheless, production in this vintage was average for Axios at just under 500 cases of wine. (Axios 2012)
James Suckling (Dec 2016) – 92 points – Plenty of pretty blackberry and blackcurrant character. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a fruity finish. Drink now. (Axios 2012)
2011
Sommelier Challenge- International Wine & Spirits Competition-Robert Whitley (Sept 2016) – Silver (Axios 2011)
Wine Advocate Robert Parker (Dec 2015) – 92 points – The current releases include his 2011, a much-maligned vintage in Napa, where he only made 194 cases, less than half of what he normally produces, so that he could get the best material into this wine. This is a delicious, fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon, showing blackcurrants and blackberries as well as hints of vanillin and cedarwood. It is dense ruby/purple, medium to full-bodied, velvety textured and evolved. It was aged in 66% new French oak prior to being bottled unfiltered. This wine is a beauty from this vintage, and should be drunk now and over the next decade. (Axios 2011)
2010
Sommelier Challenge International Wine Competition (September 2015) – 93 points, Gold (Axios 2010)
Wine Advocate (Oct 2014) – 92 points – “This late-released 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals the structure and tannin of this vintage, which is more noticeable than in either 2012 or 2013. Plenty of blue and black fruits are present in this medium to full-bodied, pure, nicely textured Cabernet. Drink it over the next 15-20 years.” (Axios 2010)
2009
Critics Challenge International Wine Competition (June 2015) – 97 points, Platinum ** #1 Bordeaux Varietal & #2 Overall of 1400 wines tasted ** - Now with some significant bottle age, the 2009 Axios is showing complexity that only comes with time, including an evolved floral and earth note in the bouquet. This wine is beautifully structured, with sweet black-fruit aromas, fine tannins and exceptional persistence on the finish. Platinum award winner at the 2015 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition. 95 Robert Whitley May 26, 2015 (Axios 2009)
Wine & Spirits (April 2013) - 91 points -“This blend, made by Robert Egelhoff, emphasizes mountain fruit (a portion of the blend comes from Bianchini Vineyard, steep terrain on Atlas Peak) in foresty scents of conifer and deep, umami tannins. The wine’s structure is tight and firm enough to hold all the heady fruit, focusing it through a lasting flavor of smoke and porcini. Decant it for a steak” (Axios 2009)
2008
Wine & Spirits (Feb 2015) – 91 points – “Richness is all in this supple, plummy cabernet. A wine that has matured toward soft, supple tannins. The flavor is not distinctive or detailed, but the texture is fine and soothing. A red to pour with grilled lamb chops.” (Axios 2008)
Beverage Testing Institute (Nov 2014) – 93 points, Gold Medal, Stellar Cellar Selection- “Opaque with a ruby red rim and red stained legs. Aromas of black raspberry, mocha, vanilla, plum jam and chocolate truffle. Ripe tannins with cherry, dark plum and vanilla kissed currant notes.” (Axios 2008)
2007
Wine Advocate (Dec 2009) - 95+ points - "The brilliant 2007 Axios has an opaque purple color, a beautiful, sweet mulberry, black cherry, and cassis nose, and hints of crushed rock, flowers, and licorice, with subtle background oak. With its superb opulence, layered mouthfeel, and seemless finish, this could well turn out to be even better the the 2005, but it is still a youngster and unevolved, even compared to the 2005. It should last for 20 years." (Axios 2007)
2005
Wine Advocate Robert Parker (Dec 2009) - 95 points - “An example is certainly the 2005 Axios. One-hundred percent Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is concentrated, still young, but with terrific density, richness, and concentration, although still playing it close to the vest. Opaque purple in color, with plenty of creme de cassis, licorice, and subtle smoke and earth, the wine is full-bodied, beautifully pure and layered, but one can sense that most of the nuances and complexity have still not emerged. This wine is locked and loaded, as they say, and 2-3 more years of bottle age will be enormously beneficial for it. It should drink well for two decades. A brilliant success in the vintage." (Axios 2005)
1999
Washington Post (Feb 2002) - "The 1999 Axios is superb, intense and firm, with tender cassis and black cherry flavors. Of today's cult wines, it reminds me the most of Harlan Estate, in that it combines powerful fruit with a silky ,smooth-feel making it almost irresistible to drink now, even though a wine this superior deserves to be cellared." (Axios 1999)