Wines
Charmstone Napa Valley, 2008
Charmstones have long been thought to possess mystical powers. Our limited-production wine by the same name is a beautiful Bordeaux-style blend that expresses the natural magic of the Napa Valley. Wine Club Only
Vineyards
Fruit was harvested from our vineyards in a handful of the Napa Valley’s most renowned appellations including Rutherford, Stags Leap District and Oakville. Known for their distinct terroir, each of these appellations imparts its unique characteristics in the fruit, contributing to Charmstone’s overall complexity.
Harvest & Winemaking
The 2008 vintage was extremely variable, opening with an intense frost that resulted in limited fruit set, then proceeding to be one of the driest seasons on record which reduced berry weight further. A long, cool summer allowed flavors to develop fully before a heat wave encouraged prompt picking. The small but flavorful clusters were night-harvested mid through late September and underwent our rigorous sorting process prior to being destemmed into tank. After 13 days of extended maceration, the wine aged 18 months in 50% new French oak barrels before bottling in May 2010.
Tasting Notes
Deep garnet in color, this wine entices the nose with exuberant aromas of dark berries, licorice, coffee and lavender. On the palate, the silky entry swells with lush flavors of sweet red cherry, ripe red currant and fresh blackberry against a background of dark, creamy chocolate, light cedar, cinnamon spice and caramel that last through the luscious finish, touched with bramble and sage.
Food Pairing
Juicy and vibrant, Charmstone will show famously when paired with a succulent poultry dish like roast herbed pheasant with morel mushrooms and baby arugula as well as the usual steaks or roasts. For a lovely cheese course, try this vintage with nutty, salty Comté, a fine French cheese made from cow’s milk.
- SRP
- $38
- Purchase
- Varietal
- 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Merlot
- Appellation
- Napa Valley
- Alcohol
- 14.7%
- Released
- September 2011
- Aging Potential
- 7-10 years