Nose

This wine entices the nose with exuberant aromas of dark berries, licorice, coffee and lavender.

Palate

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.

Growing Conditions

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.

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.

Harvest

The small but flavorful clusters were
night-harvested mid through late September and underwent our rigorous sorting process prior to being destemmed into
tank.

Bottling

Bottling in
May 2010.

Winemaking

13 days of extended maceration.

Aging

Aged 18 months in 50% new French oak barrels

Appearance

Deep garnet in color.

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.