My first Charbono

2004 Robert Foley Charbono (USA, California, Napa Valley)

Popped the cork, took a small pour and let the bottle air for 90 minutes before dinner. Color was a dark, dense purple. Nose was initially grapey, but eventually featured blue/black fruits and a slight earthy funk. No heat on the nose or the palate. This could pass for a nicely aged Italian red given the rustric flavor and texture and the lifted acidity. Drinking well now and for the next few years. 91.

[David M. Bueker]

Not a lot of Charbono to go around. I had the '03 courtesy of Maureen Nelson a couple of years ago, and recently had an '02 Turley. I have to go way back to when someone poured a '70s vintage Inglenook for my prior experience with the grape.

Used to a big fan of Inglenook Charbono.

I thought that Charbono was also Bonarda?

Also Fortitude is a field blend that is generally 2/3 Charbono and well worth the $15.

[David M. Bueker]

I thought that Charbono was also Bonarda?

Yup, but I have never had a Bonarda, so the info above is still accurate.

I thought that Charbono was also Bonarda?

Yup, but I have never had a Bonarda, so the info above is still accurate.

You should definitely try an Argentine Bonarda then: I recommend Durigutti. Charbono is known in Savoie as Charbonneau or Corbeau. If you've ever had a red from Savoie (which I haven't) then you've had Charbono/Bonarda.

I have had a Bonarda (which wasn't very good) so maybe this wasn't my first. The Wine Century Club grape variety sheet lists both Bonarda and Charbono so I'm up to either 138 or 139.