Shirah Charbono/Zin 2022

Charbono, a rare variety often seen in old vine Californian field blends and likely brought to the New World by Italian immigrants along with Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, takes center stage in this compelling bottling. Charbono's hallmark traits—an intensely dark hue, moderate alcohol, and lower acidity—make it an exceptional blending component, as evidenced by its inclusion in our 2015 Coalition blend. For this vintage, we sought to honor Charbono's unique profile while adhering to tradition by co-fermenting it with Zinfandel, a variety it has shared vineyard space with in California for over a century. Zinfandel contributes its characteristic sugar and alcohol richness, adding layers of complexity to the blend. The result is a wine from the Whalerock that offers an extraordinary tasting journey, revealing notes of ripe chocolatey berry fruit, agave and resiny hops amidst its intricate palate. This is a wine of pure hedonistic pleasure and complexity, delivering a flavor combination that is both singular and profoundly satisfying.

Winemaker Notes

Varietals: Charbono, Zinfandel

Vineyard: Whalerock

Region: Templeton Gap, Westside Paso Robles, Central Coast, CA

Nose: very unique and interesting, plummy, truffle, pipe tobacco, heady, swirling druids potion, noble hop pellets, agave, dark fruit

Mouth: very rich, great structure, yet a soft and easy palate, compote, super cool flavor profile, chocolatey fruit, overripe strawberries

Decant for: 1-2 hours

Pair with: grilled sausage, beef tacos

Drinkability: Drink now through 2030