Reviews & Ratings

2016 Calder Charbono "Napa Valley"

Winery: Calder

Vintage: 2016

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Napa Valley"

Wine Category: Charbono

Grape blend: 100% Charbono

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $30

Cases produced: 119

KWG Score: 89 (based on 1 review)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (89)

Review date: July 19, 2020

Wine Review: This very dark ruby colored Charbono from Calder opens with a funky new leather and bramble berry bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced and juicy. The flavor profile is a gentle tart plum with notes of gravely minerality. I also detected notes of integrated oak and hints of craisin and blackberry. The finish is dry and its fruit flavors and well-managed mild tannins stick around for a while. This wine is food friendly and will be versatile with food. I would pair with a juicy Angus bacon burger topped with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: Always very much a mind-bending variety, the 2016 Charbono continues to teach me things about the evolution of this variety during ageing. Initially a bit reticent, with a bit of air come black cherry and ripe plum fruit aromas, interlaced with dark spice, minty earthiness, and top notes that lean toward the floral. Despite the lightness stemming from its low alcohol, it has a savory density on the palate to match its bright fruit, finishing medium- to full-bodied with a bit of grip. I highly recommend aerating the wine, either by decanting or by letting it develop in the glass for a while. Serve at room temperature.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Calder 2016 Charbono.