VOLUME 12, ISSUE 34
December 30, 2022
ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE:
A Commonplace Bucket of Pinot Noir: Quotes, Ephemera, and Thoughts The Prince Retires (this time for good)

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Vineyard: Charles

OwnerCharles Family
AppellationAnderson Valley
Dates Planted2001
Acres16
LocationNear the southeast corner of the appellation near Boonville. Located about as far inland in Anderson Valley as you can get yet ocean breezes and summer morning fog moderate the warmth. Large temperature swings between day and night up to 50 degrees F.
AspectValley floor at 380 feet elevation on former pastureland.
SoilsRocky, poor fertility.
VarietiesPinot Gris, Pinot Noir
Clones114, 115, 777, Pommard
Trellis SpacingVertical trellis
ManagersCharles Family

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2015 Foursight Wines Charles Vineyard “Clone 05” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.60, 125 cases, $52. Released May 2017. 100% Pommard 05. 20% whole cluster, 80% de-stemmed. Native yeast fermentation. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Aged in 60% new French oak barrels. · Light garnet color in the glass. Wealthy aromas of fresh berries, dark rose petal and baking spices. Gorgeous fruit core with some unresolved oak overlay. Noticeable mid palate intensity and finish with commendable balance. Score: 92. Reviewed July 8, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 The Withers Charles Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 361 cases, $44. A 14-acre vineyard planted in 2001 (10 acres of Pinot Noir). Located in Boonville adjacent Anderson Creek. Pommard, 115 and 667. Extremely well-drained soils. 35% whole cluster, feral yeast fermentation after a cold soak. Aged in French oak barrels, 20% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Dark fruited on the nose with added scents of spice, bark and nutty oak. More inviting in the mouth, with flavors of black cherry and oak spice backed by muscular tannins that rise up on the finish that has good intensity and length. Needs a little more time in bottle to integrate the tannins. Score: 89. Reviewed December 13, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Foursight Paraboll Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 100 cases, $54. Release May 2016. From 1880 to 1920, the language of Boontling was spoken in the Anderson Valley. “Para” means “deep, cherry red color,” and “Boll” or “Bahl” means “of excellent quality” in Boontling. Put together, this Pinot Noir is “a great red.” The wine is a homage to a language that may soon be extinct. This wine differs from the other Foursight Pinot Noir bottlings in that it is harvested later for a riper fruit profile and received a different barrel regimen consisting of aging in 50% new French oak for 11 months with heavy and mediumplus toast barrels. 100% estate grapes, Pommard 05 and 777 from Charles Vineyard. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with scents of cherry, sandalwood and Prada leather coat. Bright and fresh flavors of deep red cherry, baking spice and vanilla fan out on the discreetly concentrated palate. Somewhat elegant, with integrated tannins and a red-fruited finish. Score: 92. Reviewed April 22, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Foursight Charles Vineyard Zero Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 361 cases, $38. Released February 1, 2016. Clones 114, 115, 777 and Pommard 05. Wild yeast fermentation in open-top tanks with 40% whole clusters, wild malolactic fermentation, and aged in second year and older oak barrels (zero new oak). Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Delicate aromas of raspberry, rhubarb, blackberry and the slightest oak lead to a mid weight plus core of black raspberry, black cherry and black plum fruits framed in modest fine-grain tannins. Great purity of fruit with an explosion of unadulterated Pinot fruit flavor and a long, intense finish. Score: 91. Reviewed April 22, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 The Withers Charles Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 300 cases, $44. Clones include Pommard, 115 and 667. Fermented with 35% whole cluster and ambient yeasts at cool temperature after a cold soak. About 15% new French oak barrels. Racked once before bottling, unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. This wine was rather brooding and bland with aggressive tannins upon opening, improving some in the glass, but really achieved expression two days after opened when tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Fresh aromas of blackberry, black cherry and spice were followed on the palate with a ripe array of red cherry and berry flavors accented with spice and herbs, and framed by supportive fruit tannins. A remarkable transformation that proves again that Pinot Noir is an elusive challenge to evaluate. Decant this wine if you must pull the cork now. Score: 91. Reviewed April 5, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Foursight Charles Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc.,450 cases, $46. Clones 114, 115, 777 and Pommard 05. 40% whole cluster, native fermentation and malolactic fermentation, basked pressed, and aged in French oak barrels, 40% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. The aroma of fresh cherry pie builds in intensity over time in the glass. The mid weight spiced cherry and cranberry flavors are very giving. Bright, juicy acidity enlivens this cherry bomb that has a lingering cherry-themed finish. Score: 91. Reviewed April 22, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Foursight Charles Vineyard Clone 05 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 125 cases, $49. Released February 1, 2016. 100% Pommard 05. Four favorite barrels. Wild yeast fermentation, 40% whole clusters, hand punch downs, wild yeast malolactic fermentation in barrel, and aged in French oak barrels, 60% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Robust aromas of Bing cherry and bark are followed on the palate by a delicious core of fresh black cherry fruit and cola flavors. Very suave, with a tug of balanced tannins and an amazingly intense finish that elevates this wine above the norm. This is a perfect example of why Pommard is my paramour. Score: 94. Reviewed April 22, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Foursight Charles Vineyard Zero Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.73, TA 0.58, 173 cases, $38. Release November 2014. Clones are Pommard 05, 777, 115 and 114. 30% whole cluster fermentation. Aged in second-year and older barrels with no new oak. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Bright cherry fruit is the focus of this juicy wine which is very soft and seamless on the palate. Added accents of raspberry, brown spice and sandalwood add interest. Inviting balance and harmony and highly approachable now. Score: 91. Reviewed December 10, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Chanamé Angel Camp & Charles Vineyards Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.21, TA 0.57, 49 cases, $45. Harvest Brix 23.5º. 100% de-stemmed, Aged 14 months in Sonoma Mountain caves in 50% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Shy, but appealing aromas of cherry pie glaze and red raspberry preserves. Vivid flavors of cherry, cranberry and raspberry with a hint of spice and sandalwood. Very juicy, with bright acidity and immersed tannins, building in the mouth to a climatic finish. An impressive wine that has an uplifting freshness and impeccable balance. Even better the following day flaunting a glorious and vibrant cherry presence. Score: 93. Reviewed July 28, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Foursight Charles Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.58, 224 cases, $46. Release May 2015. Crafted from all four clones grown in the estate vineyard (777, 114, 115, and Pommard 05). 30% whole cluster fermentation. Wooden basket-pressed. Aged in 40% new, 10% secondyear and 50% three-plus-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is infused with the lovely scent of Bing cherry glaze and complimentary oak in the background. Very soft and sexy, with mid weight flavors of cherry, raspberry and plum caressed by suede tannins. Oak seasoning plays a favorable role. This wine, which has a little more body and generosity than the Zero, finishes silky and full of cherry goodness. Score: 92. Reviewed December 10, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Foursight Charles Vineyard Clone 05 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.70, 130 cases, $49. Release January 1, 2015. Four favorite barrels of 100% Pommard 05. 30% whole cluster fermentation. Aged in 40% new and 40% second-year French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The hi-tone aromas of black cherry and dark raspberry fill the glass. Soft and velvety on the palate, even ephemeral, like angels dancing on a cloud. Discreetly concentrated and highly flavorful, featuring dark cherry and dark red berry fruits with oak seasoning in the background. Nicely composed with balanced tannins and a finish that sports refined acidity. This wine will get noticed. Score: 93. Reviewed December 10, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Papapietro Perry Charles Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 995 cases, $56. · Light cherry red hue in the glass. Very fragrant cherry and kirsch aromas on the nose. Beautifully composed, with layers of cherry flavor that coat the palate and pick up intensity on the gorgeous, long-lived finish. Score: 92. Reviewed May 4, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Kosta Browne One Sixteen Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.4% alc., pH 3.35, TA 0.61, $58. Grapes sourced from Boudreaux, Charles Ranch, El Diablo, Heintz, Searby, Ulises Valdez and Zio Tony vineyards. Multiple clones. 93% barrel fermented and aged in 41% new French oak, 7% concrete fermented. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon, orange blossom, lychee and buttery brioche. Creamy and full on the palate, with layers of flavor including lemon cake, lime, nectarine, caramel, and honey, finishing with some length and uplifting acidity. A decadent, succulent style that will find appeal. Score: 90. Reviewed May 15, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Foursight Charles Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.58, 121 cases, $. Released May 2014.Crafted from all four clones in the vineyard: 777, 115, 114 and Pommard 5. 10% whole clusters, native yeast and native ML cultures. Aged in 40% new and 60% three+-year-old French oak barrels. Unracked, unfined, unfiltered. · Light garnet color in the glass. More flamboyant on the nose with aromas of black cherries, spice and sweet oak. A very lovely wine that is seductively polished and seamless, featuring a plethora of sweet cherry goodness accented with spicy oak. Score: 90. Reviewed July 28, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Foursight “Zero New Oak” Charles Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.73, TA 0.58, 121 cases, $38. Released May 2014. 2011 was the coldest vintage since Charles Vineyard was planted. Clones 777, 115, 114 and Pommard 5. Aged in second-year and older barrels. 10% whole clusters, wild yeast and wild ML cultures. Unfined and unfiltered. · Light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of red cherries and berries with a hint of briar and herbs. Soft and smooth on the palate, somewhat delicate, and quite enjoyable for its fresh red cherry and berry fruits encased in polished tannins. A fruity, easy to enjoy wine that features the purity of unplugged Pinot Noir fruit. Score: 89. Reviewed July 28, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Foursight Clone 05 Charles Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.59, 125 cases, $49. Released October 2013. 100% Pommard clone 05. 10% whole clusters, wild yeast and wild ML cultures. Aged in 66% new and 34% 3-year-old and older French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. A penetrating nose flush with aromas of black pie cherries, dried herbs, brewed tea and toasty oak. Very flavorful, with impressive fullness and plushness on the palate, featuring flavors of dark red cherry and berry with a touch of cola. Soft and silky with a cherry-driven finish embellished with a deft touch of oak. I have said it many times, Pommard is my paramour. Score: 92. Reviewed July 28, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Foursight Wines “Zero New Oak” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.62, 168 cases, $38. Released May 2013. Aged in 2-year-old and older barrels so the emphasis is on the Pinot Noir fruit. Sourced from Charles Vineyard. Clones 777, 115, 114 and Pommard 05. Fermented with 30% whole clusters, 100% wild yeast, and wild MLF cultures. Punchdowns are done by hand, the wines are pressed in a traditional, wooden basket press, and aged in French oak barrels until bottling with no racking. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. No new oak, but still has a subtle oak note in the aromas and flavors. The nose offers scents of dark berries and grape jelly. Plenty of black grape, black cherry and raspberry flavor with a striking persistence on the huge, very long finish. Balanced and silky on the palate, this is a satisfying wine. Very good. Reviewed May 5, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Foursight Wines Charles Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.62, 170 cases, $46. Released May 2013. Crafted from all four clones grown in the estate vineyard: 777, 114, 115 and Pommard 05. 30% whole clusters, native yeast fermentation and native MLF. Aged in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of cherries, forest floor and the slightest oak. Lighter than the 2009 version of this wine and very similar in flavor but with a redder fruit profile. Red cherries are most evident with a bright backbone of citrusy acidity and a juicy finish. Very approachable and easy to drink. Maybe comfortable is the best word. A righteous food wine. Very good. Reviewed May 5, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Foursight Wines Charles Vineyard “Clone 05” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.58, 125 cases, $49. Released May 2013. Produced every year since 2007. 30% whole cluster, fermented with wild yeast and wild MLF. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Light garnet color in the glass. The wine is quite light in weight, with aromas and flavors of red cherries and raspberries. Oak plays a significant role with aromas of oak spice and espresso. Very elegant with gossamer tannins and bright acidity. More intensely flavorful than one would expect from the light color. Good. Reviewed May 5, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Foursight Wines “Zero New Oak” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.64, 360 cases, $38. Released fall 2011. Aged in 2-year-old French oak barrels. 30% whole cluster, wild fermentations. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Very fruity nose featuring black cherries. Crisp and juicy black cherry and cranberry flavors with a hint of spice. Mild, soft tannins and smooth in the mouth. Lacks a little mid palate richness, structure and finishing persistence of a typical oaked Pinot Noir but has its own charm in the purity of its unplugged fruit flavor. Very good (-). Reviewed February 22, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Foursight Charles Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.63, 405 cases, $46, released fall 2011. Clones 777, 114, 115 and Pommard 5. 70% de-stemmed and fermented with 30% whole clusters and wild yeast. Aged in 15% new , 57% 2nd year, 14% 3rd year and 14% neutral French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple hue in the glass. Aromas of dark cherries and exotic woods. Pleasing generosity of Pinot fruit flavor, backed by well-proportioned tannins and acidity. Very good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Foursight Wines Charles Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.63, 405 cases, $46. Released fall 2011. Clones 777, 114, 115 and Pommard 5. 30% whole cluster. Wild fermentations. Aged in 15% new, 57% 2-year-old, 14% 3-year-old, and 14% neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Intensely fruity on the nose featuring aromas of dark red berries and black cherries with the slightest spice, leather and oak. Picks up interest over time in the glass. Fills the mouth with broad flavors of red and black stone and berry fruits with complimentary oak-driven notes of toffee and cola in the background. Modest tannins with inviting crispness and a good cut of acidity on the finish. Flat-out great later in the day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. I like this wine for its presence without pronounced weight. Reviewed February 22, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Foursight Wines Charles Vineyard “Clone 05” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.61, 69 cases, $49. Released fall 2011. Aged in 50% new, 25% 2-year-old, and 25% neutral French oak barrels. 100% Pommard clone. 30% whole cluster, wild fermentations. · Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. Earthy, savory, and succulent dark fruits on the nose and palate with a complimentary hint of spice, and a lingering subtle note of refreshing citrus on the very long finish. Quite distinct from the Charles Vineyard blend bottling in that it is richer, slightly denser, more assertive on the mid palate, and is structurally more firm, yet the tannins are perfectly proportioned. A beguiling expression of Pommard clone that really shines the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Reviewed February 22, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Charles Vineyard All-In Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 407 cases, $46. Wild yeast fermentation, unfined and unfiltered. Includes all the clones in the estate Charles Vineyard: Dijon 114, 115, 777 and Pommard 5. 20% whole cluster. Aged in 20% new, 31% twoyear- old and 44% neutral French oak barrels. · Massively perfumed with exotic dark berries, dark mocha and spice. Discreetly concentrated and tasty dark fruit with hints of sassafras and oak. The berry fragrances and a citrus lift haunt the lengthy finish. A racy wine that is quite enjoyable now for its silky texture and impeccable balance. This one is kissed by an angel. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Foursight Charles Vineyard All-In Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 407 cases, $46. Released March 2009. Clones 114, 115, 777 and Pommard 5. 80% de-stemmed, 20% whole clusters, wild yeast primary and secondary fermentation. Aged in 20% new, 31.25% two-year-old and 43.75% neutral French oak barrels. No racking, unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color. Clean aromas of cherries, mocha and spice. Very friendly in the mouth with savory flavors of fresh berries including cranberries with a subtle note of oak and dark chocolate. Texturally smooth with well-concealed ripe tannins and a good grip on the lasting finish. Plenty of Pinot singing here. Reviewed May 26, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Foursight Charles Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 406 cases, $46. · Slightly confected aromas of red cherries and raspberries with a lovely accent of baking spices. Tasty redder fruit core with oak and brown spice in the background. Medium-weighted with soft ripe tannins and a tangy finish. A solid wine. POP 90, WS 88. Reviewed January 22, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Foursight Charles Vineyard Clone 05 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 97 cases, $49. Select barrels of Pommard 5, one of 4 clones in the estate Charles Vineyard. 20% whole cluster. Wild yeast fermentations. Aged in 50% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Very sexy nose initially featuring deep berry, especially raspberry, fruit, dark chocolate and cardamon spice. A substantial wine with the most intensity and tannin in the lineup. The hedonistic core of berry and plum fruit shows a touch of grilled meat and oak smoke. Still brooding and lacking the nuances that it will develop over time, but this is a well-crafted Man’s wine. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Foursight Wines Clone 5 Charles Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 97 cases, $49. Aged in 50% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish-purple robe. Really great perfume of fresh cherry pie and baking spices which intensifies with swirling. Juicy core of plentiful cherry and raspberry fruit and a smoothly textured platform. The finish is outrageously persistent. The whole package and plenty of swagga to boot. Reviewed June 8, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Papapietro Perry Charles Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 740 cases, $49. · This wine isn’t ready to drink. The nose is quite austere, displaying reluctant aromas of red fruits and herbs. A bit awkward and closed, there is a luscious berry core lurking in the background but it is drowned out by healthy dry tannins and a citrus tang that carries the finish. Definite potential here, but currently zippered up. Reviewed May 7, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Papapietro Perry Charles Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $44. · Plenty of alcohol on the nose. A middleweight with dark earthy stone fruits that seem flat. The finish leaves a little bitterness in its wake. Reviewed October 1, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Foursight Wines Charles Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 600 cases, $46. Clones are Pommard 5, 114, 115 and 777 planted on an ancient river bed which is well-drained and can withstand the annual rainfall of 41.6 inches in Boonville. Wild yeast primary and secondary fermentations, aged in 33% new French oak. A 2007 barrel sample was also tasted at the Festival and it was a knock-out with a terrific core of cherry fruit. Stay tuned to this producer, join the mailing list, and look for big things in the future. · Moderately light crimson color. Red fruits, savory herbs and forest floor aromas. Red fruit-driven with cherry, cranberry and cola flavors. Light in character, the soft tannins make for an easy drinker. The alcohol barely peaks out. Reviewed June 9, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

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