Calicaro
Dave BallDavid (Dave) Ball has been making wine at Crushpad since 2007, taking his love for Pinot Noir to a whole new level. Despite a demanding career as an attorney in South Carolina, Dave hops over to California every chance he gets, dedicating time, energy and passion to producing artisanal wines with the help of winemakers Chris Nelson and Kian Tavakoli. Dave's efforts have definitely paid off - in its short history, Calicaro has already been placed on highly regarded restaurant wine lists in San Francisco and the Carolinas, served at a formal reception and wine dinner in Washington, D.C. and praised by critics with numerous 90-93 point wine scores.
"We live on the Right Coast but make great Left Coast wine. Hence,our name: Calicaro. CALIfornia/CAROlina. While we are "hands on" during the critical phases of wine work, our colleagues and friends at Crushpad are there for us every step of the way. Making wine gives people something to enjoy, to share with friends, and to keep in their cellar as a treasured possession. I am honored that Calicaro can be a small part of this 7,000 year tradition. For me, it is a profound and richly rewarding journey." -Dave Ball
2008 "Liberty Bridge" Pinot Noir, Split Rock Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
93 points WE, 92 points Pinot Report
This vintage is producing a wonderful, rich, lush, ripe style of wine, exhibiting the black cherry and earth notes typical of the Sonoma Coast and balanced with good acid and tannin levels. Drink now or hold as it will only improve for several years - DB
2008 "Paris Mountain" Pinot Noir, Lone Oak Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands
90 points WE, 93 points Pinot Report
This Pinot weight trains at the club but does yoga classes too. Big, intense, complex, but balanced and supple. Fruit forward, with cherry, earth, spice, coffee, cocoa and cola wrapped in smooth velvety tannins. Everything you want Cali style Pinot to be in a very big package. Drink now or hold for awhile - DB
2007 "Poinsett" Pinot Noir, Hayley Vineyard, Anderson Valley
91 points WE
Classic Burgundian style Pinot Noir. Really fresh, pure and light on its feet, complex lifted aromatics, great concentrated red fruit flavor profile of raspberries, strawberries and cranberries and a touch of earthiness. - DB
2008 "Poinsett" Pinot Noir, La Encantada Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills
92 points Pinot Report
Burgundian style Pinot, with wild cherry and berry flavors jumping out of the glass. The fruit is really fresh and strongly shows the small wild berry quality that this super cool climate vineyard can produce. Really vibrant, has crisp cool climate acidity and the very light use of oak lets other flavors show through - DB
2008 "Charles Towne" Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Big but balanced, with huge dark fruit, lush full bodied mouthfeel and smooth, fine grained tannins. For lovers of ripe, luscious, hedonistic New World style Cab, this is your ticket to ride and it will take you all the way home. A classic vintage that can be enjoyed on release or over the next 5-7 years. Releasing Fall 2010 - DB
