Robert Foley Vineyards - Charbono 2018
Price: $45.00
| Producer | Robert Foley Vineyards |
| Country | U.S. |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Napa Valley |
| Varietal | Charbono |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Sku | 000173 |
| ABV | 12.90% |
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Robert (Bob) Foley began his wine making career in the Napa Valley in 1977, after graduating from UC Davis with degrees in both Viticulture and Enology. He spent his first year working for Heitz Cellars, followed by 15 years as the founding winemaker for Markham Vineyards. In 1992, Bob began another 15 years as the founding winemaker for Pride Mountain Vineyards. During this period, he also created the highly acclaimed Switchback Ridge, Hourglass, Paloma, and School House wines. He now focuses mostly on Robert Foley Vineyards wines, but also creates the offerings from Shelter, Padis Vineyards, Engel Family, Herson Family Vineyards, and JennaMarise in the Napa Valley. In 1998 Robert Foley Vineyards bottled its flagship Claret and has since expanded and diversified its production to offer more of the big reds Bob is famous for.
Charbono is one of the lost grape varieties – almost. There are only about 90 acres of this variety in existence, half in Napa county. The original cuttings were imported to Calistoga from the Savoie region in the French Alps in about 1880. Its original name was Doux Noir, and later it was called Charbonneau (carbon water). Subsequently, Charbono was wiped out in Europe by Phylloxera. Luckily, a few determined vignerons still make 100% Charbono in Napa, like Bob Foley, like this one. Aromas of red fruit medley – cherry, currant and raspberry – are ripe and vibrant. The juicy middle is ample and flavorful, lively and framed in natural acidity resolving in a long gentle finish with the finest of tannin. Beautifully balanced. This is a very versatile food wine. Charbono shows a rare combination of thorough ripeness and bright tangy acidity.
