Tofanelli Vineyard Charbono

Benchmark Charbono, sadly no longer made by Turley. Still need to track down Tofanelli’s own bottling.

A rare treat from the library, still shining bright!

Turley made this wine from 1994-2010 and to me it was always the benchmark for the varietal during that era. The 13.9% alcohol was probably the lowest in Turley's lineup back in 2002. Their Charbono has always been a sneaky good ager and this is no exception. Probably already on a slow decline now I wouldn't hold on to these much longer. The Tofanelli family now keeps their own fruit. I'll have to try their version one of these days.

Definitely a 30-40 year wine. Concentrated plums and spice, rich and still very primary 12 years in

2002 Turley 'Tofanelli' #Charbono, #Napa. Very dense with notes of dried plum and wild berries mixed with clove and baking spice. Soft and velvety finish. Showing nicely! #wine #sommelier #turley #california

These older Turley Charbonos are always a pleasant surprise and very different from the rest of their lineup. At 14% alc., this is restrained as far as early Turley is concerned, and it has developed nicely. Very meaty and earthy, with some nice dark fruit still hanging in there.

2002 Turley 'Tofanelli' #Charbono, #Napa. Very dense with notes of dried plum and wild berries mixed with clove and baking spice. Soft and velvety finish. Showing nicely! #wine #sommelier #turley #california

Charbono - or douce noir in Savoie, at 11 years of age from the overlord of Zinfandel. More rare than good and not quite his Zinfandel.

I drank you, babe. Another great Turley.

A perfect shelter-in-place wine with pizza! Drinks like a classic Turley.