Matt Morris Tofanelli Vineyard Charbono Napa Valley 2019

Professional photographer and video-storyteller, Matt Morris, produced his first commercial wine in 2014 after years of helping to capture the heart and soul of California grape growing and winemaking on film and in print. With a client list that includes Abreu Vineyards, Promontory, Quintessa, Realm Cellars, Rudd Estate, and The Restaurant At Meadowood, Matt is no stranger to the hard work and high qualitative cut involved in producing a world class experience. Just like the centered nature of his day job, Matt’s approach to crafting fine wines is rooted in context. Uniquely placing himself and 2019 SF Chronicle Winemaker of the Year Françoise Peschon (Accendo, Araujo, Vine Hill Ranch, Drinkward Peschon) at the behest of an all but extinct grape variety that is somehow poised to represent the pinnacle of California Viticulture. With only 80 acres planted to Charbono in California, it is in very limited production, but the wines that are being made are begging for attention. Beyond a lighter style coming out of Argentina and some hard-to-reach reds from the French/Swiss border, Charbono is not grown or produced anywhere else. Charbono likes the Napa Valley, when grown here it ripens (talking development of flavor) at lower sugar levels, producing wines that exhibit the beauty and character of the region effortlessly. The best part is there is no comparison on the world stage for Napa Charbono. No Bordeaux to rival the Cabernet, no White Burgundy to topple the Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Just. California. Charbono. Françoise and Matt believe they have found something special in CHARBONO, instead of pushing it to be the next big thing, they took a step back and let the grape tell its own story. Charbono produces intense wines of deep color and perfumed aromatics. The wines are fruitful, retaining a refreshing and age-worthy structure.The aromatic qualities of the grape are unique along with its gargantuan color potential. They wanted to preserve these dynamic qualities while capturing the essence of each of the heritage sites from which they’re grown. With the 2019 single-vineyard wines they have done exactly that. These micro-lots were aged for 23 months in neutral French oak. Charbono has much softer tannin than Cabernet and does not require new oak to achieve its balance. These wines are incredibly expressive and will drink now or can age up to 20 years! Beautiful woodsy aromatics of wild blueberries, dried sage, black licorice, and an earthy forest quality. This wine is serious, poised and disciplined. The texture is pristine with a refined entry and flavors that explode in the mid palate followed by a powerful, persistent finish. The wine has an ample freshness and a firm vein of minerality. Only 40 cases made!