A row of barrels in the Relic cave.

2018 Frediani Vineyard Charbono

Another first for us, and another ode to the immigrant families who have helped make Napa what it is today: Charbono. Only four vineyards harboring Charbono remain in Napa Valley, and Jim Frediani’s vineyard is one of them, with vines dating back to the 1940’s. In these well-drained, up valley soils, Charbono thrives and retains a beautiful balance between its ripeness and acidity. In our inaugural bottling, look for aromatics of spice cake, mission fig, blackberry syrup, wintergreen and ripest strawberry. The wine is deep and rich, while also being fresh and vibrant, with flavors echoing the palate but with added power and persistence. A clean, long finish, featuring great acidity and length, begs another sip.

  • 100% Charbono
  • 100% Frediani Vineyard, Calistoga
  • Rare, old-vine Charbono from vines planted in the 1940's and 1970's
  • Dry-farmed, never irrigated
  • Aged in neutral French oak barrels for 19 months
  • Unfined and unfiltered
  • 125 cases produced
Reviews
This features a toasted chicory overtone, with spice notes of clove, cardamom, fresh rosemary and cedar. Dense, toothsome tannins provide an appealing background for the blackberry, huckleberry and plum flavors, balancing concentration, intensity, depth and complex aromatics, with a long finish. Drink now through 2036.
MaryAnn Worobiec
/
Wine Spectator
/
September 30, 2021
/
92
points
A perfumed bonarda with aromas of dark cherries, blackcurrants, dried herbs, violets and baking spices. Orange zest, too. Medium body with sleek tannins and bright acidity. Juicy, fruity and crunchy. Drink now.
James Suckling
/
JamesSuckling.Com
/
November 2021
/
91
points