2013 "mbf" Charbono

The foundation of our Reserve "mbf" (man’s best friend) wines is always a strong relationship; a vineyard owner, a handshake agreement and winemaker Brenda Lynch's desire to craft an excellent wine from their grapes.  Known in France as Douce Noir (which translates to "sweet black") and as Bonarda in Argentina, California Charbono is planted on less than 90 acres of land. Luckily for Mutt Lynch, it thrives near our home in Calistoga, Napa Valley.  Our grapes are from the Frediani Family Vineyard in Calistoga, Napa Valley.  The vines dating back to 1938.  It’s a historic locale for California Charbono and grapes from the Frediani old vines are highly sought after.   

Brenda's Winemaking.  2013 was my third vintage of Frediani Vineyard Charbono and my winemaking approach remained consistent - gentle handling and french oak aging. Fermentation took place in an open top tank, with 3 times per day punch-downs. The wine was barreled down and malolactic fermentation took place in barrel. The wine was aged in 100% French oak barrels for 18 months.  The age of the Frediani vines definitely shows through in the complex and nuanced character of our 2013 Reserve "mbf" Charbono. It’s a pedigree we’re delighted to be able to showcase!