2017 PORTALUPI L. VENTURI VINEYARD CHARBONO

Charbono is a red wine grape that originated in the Savoie region of Italy under the name Douce Noir, and in California it’s been described as a Cult variety due to its scarcity and devotion of its connoisseurs.  The grape is revered for producing powerfully rich, inky-like flavors, voluptuous texture and colossal structure.  Icons Turley, Heitz and Robert Foley have all made single-varietal Charbono and the grape has also been a staple in popular blends like Venge’s Scout’s Honor for years… Out of all of the Charbono’s that I’ve tasted in my career, Portalupi’s 2017 from L Venturi Vineyard in Mendocino is the crème-de-la-crème.  Mind-blowing, riveting, earth-shattering, all came to my mind when I tried it.  The judges at the Press Democrat Wine Competition must have agreed and gave this wine 97 Points, naming it Best in Class…

Formed from 91 year old vines grown in pinole gravelly loam soils, containing a mixture of sandstone, shale and quartz, this gorgeous specimen could be the poster child for California grown Charbono that any Cab lover will cherish.  The wine has penetrating intensity, superb focus, a voluptuous and velvety mouthfeel and brilliant depth.  With approximately 80 acres of Charbono planted in California, it’s rarely bottled as a stand-alone varietal, and lucky for us, this one was…

For just: $39.99/btl + FREE SHIPPING on cases and 6-packs! – You’ll want to re-up after the first sip! It’s that good. GET A CASE, trust me.