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Charmstone 2009
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.
Vineyards
Fruit was harvested from our vineyards in a handful of the Napa Valley’s most renowned appellations including Stags Leap District, Carneros 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 and Winemaking
With steadily mild temperatures throughout the growing season, the 2009 vintage progressed very smoothly and the clusters ripened evenly. The fruit for this wine was harvested late September through late October and was thoroughly sorted. Fermentation took place at a high temperature to ensure that maximum extraction was achieved before the wine was racked to 30% new French barrels. The wine was aged in barrel for a total of 16 months before bottling.
Tasting Notes
Our 2009 Charmstone exhibits a luminous garnet hue in the glass and features a pretty bouquet, teeming with fruit fragrances of macerated raspberry, boysenberry pie and strawberry preserves, followed with dried tobacco leaf and sweet vanilla. The vivacious palate offers intense blackberry, fresh cassis and concentrated blueberry flavors intertwined with touches of cinnamon sugar, ginger snap and fresh ground nutmeg. Subtle crème de cacao and spice notes support the soft, satiny tannins on the long, elegant finish.
Pairing
Filled with vivid fruit flavors and boasting such a silky texture, our 2009 Charmstone would be best enjoyed alongside a fulfilling pasta dish like pappardelle Bolognese, or a savory poultry offering like crispy roast duck. A tangy, slightly nutty cheese like Leicester would also make a suitable partner for this wine.
- SRP
- $43
- buy
- Varietal
- 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot
- Appellation
- Napa Valley
- Alcohol
- 14.7%
- Released
- September 2012
- Aging Potential
- 7 years