2015 August Briggs Frediani Vineyard Charbono Napa Valley

The Charbono grapes for this wine were sourced from the Frediani Vineyard and the Meyer vineyard which are both located right here in Calistoga. Charbono is a grape that thrives in the Calistoga heat and the 50 to 90+ year old vines produce low yields with the ultimate in flavor concentration. We are once again excited about the Charbono and know our club members will be too. During the process of tasting and writing these notes in retrospect this might be our favorite vintage ever. Pull the cork and stand back… A blueberry pie comes to mind with warm and inviting aromas of sour cherry, holiday spice and cedar. On the palate it is medium-bodied and well balanced with nice acidity for accompanying food. The flavors echo the blueberry and cherry fruit with a supple mid palate that finishes with a lingering, rustic quality. We were able to extract all the complexity these special Charbono vines offer without the aggressive tannins the varietal can often produce. It makes for one savory and seductive wine for your drinking pleasure tonight but it will also age well for another 4-6 years.