It is such an honor to work with the Frediani family and these old vines planted in the 1940s and 1980s. Charbono is one of the rarest grapes of Napa Valley, having been loved by the Italian immigrant families, but gradually pulled out to plant, mainly, Cabernet. It is ideally suited to the up-valley, rocky sites where it retains acidity well. The color is a deep purple with a magenta edge. Aromatics are effusive and sultry, with hugely charming blue and purple fruit, chocolate and hints of mint. On the palate, the 2019 displays the dense concentration of the year, with layers of deep fruit cascading along on the juicy, smooth finish.
Baked plums, blueberries, violets, and iron notes all emerge from the 2019 Charbono Frediani Vineyard, a medium to full-bodied, elegant, if not pretty, expression of this variety that has loads to love. It’s drinking nicely today and should last for a decade. This is 100% Charbono and comes from vines planted in the 1940s. It was raised in once used French oak.
Black berry, ink and lavender aromas follow through to a medium to full body with medium chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Hints of tar. So satisfying and unique. Drink now.
Sourced from the Frediani Vineyard in Calistoga, there are just 62 cases of Relic's 2019 Charbono. An almost forgotten grape in Napa, this version was made in older oak yet is inky in color, with layers of black cherries, blackberries and plums. It's full-bodied, rich and intense, with plenty of substance, yet the tannins are ripe and supple, yielding an almost melted-chocolate finish—long, velvety and mouthwatering, with perhaps just a touch of warmth.
