Owner(s) | Charles Family |
Web site | www.foursightwines.com |
Link to this site |
This producer is a fresh face in the Anderson Valley, having begun in 2007 by Bill and Nancy Charles, long time winegrowers in the valley, and daughter Kristy Charles and her winemaker spouse Joseph Webb. The estate Charles Vineyard near Boonville was planted to Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon in 2001. The Pinot Noirs have been impressive from the start.
A winery and tasting room opened in 2009 on the vineyard property close to Highway 128 near Boonville. The wines are sold through the website and via a mailing list.
2016 Foursight Charles Vineyard Clone 05 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., pH 3.75, TA 0.60, 262 cases, 125 cases, $54. Released July 2018. 25% whole clusters, native yeast fermentation. Aged in French oak barrels, 43% new. Five favorite barrels. · Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Robust aromas of Bing cherry, rose petal and red gum drops. Delicious core of fresh cherry fruit with accents of spice and anise. Juicy acidity, with fine-grain tannins and a noticeably long finish. A real cherry delight. Score: 93. Reviewed January 17, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Foursight Paraboll Charles Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.77, TA 0.59, 200 cases, $60. Released July 2018. The name of this wine is derived from the Boontling language unique to Anderson Valley: “Para” is a term for a deep, cherry red color and “Ball” or “Bahl” means “of excellent quality.” Put together, Paraboll means “a great red.” The wine is a homage to the Londer family where the name originated and to a heritage language of Anderson Valley. This wine is produced with a different ripening schedule and barrel regimen. The grapes were given additional hang time before harvest for a darker fruit profile and then aged in 50% new French oak barrels for 11 month with heavy and medium-plus toast barrels. It is a homage to the Londer family where the name originated and to a heritage language of Anderson Valley. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Vivid aromas of cherry, dark chocolate and cigar box. Virile, well-ripened black raspberry, black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors fill the mouth with pleasure. The weighty sap is buttressed by gutsy tannins that compliment rather than intrude. The comfortable texture provides appeal. A little rustic and earthy in a good way creating an individuality distinct from the other expressions of the Charles Vineyard. Score: 94. Reviewed January 17, 2019 ARTICLE »
2015 Foursight Charles Vineyard ZERØ Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.61, 320 cases, $39. Released July 2018. A blend of estate clones 114, 115, 777 and Pommard 5. Fermented with 20% whole clusters.. Pressed in a gentle, Champagne-style basket press. Aged in second year and older French oak barrels (zero new oak). · Light ruby red color in the glass. Perfumed and sensuous with flowing red cherry and red berry fruit aromas. Light to mid weight in concentration, featuring regal dark red fruits that make an impression on the mid palate and last with vigor through the refreshing finish. A savory herb thread adds interest. Easy to drink, with gossamer tannins. Score: 92. Reviewed January 17, 2019 ARTICLE »
2015 Foursight Charles Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.76, TA 0.60, 300 cases, $48. Released July 2018. Clones 777, 114, 115 and Pommard 5. 20% whole clusters, native yeast and native malolactic fermentations. Aged in French oak barrels, 33.3% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Appealing aromas of black cherry compote, dark red raspberry and dusty earth. The deeply flavored dark cherry core is expansive in the mouth and forthright on the finish. A little oak-driven barbecue spice and toast adds interest. The tannins are immersed and the juicy acidity adds good lift. A veritable cherry jubilee with a delectable finish. Score: 93. Reviewed January 17, 2019 ARTICLE »
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 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 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 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 ARTICLE »
2013 Foursight Charles Vineyard “Clone 05” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc.,125 cases, $49. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. An explosion of high brow cherry, dark red rose petal, root beer and toast leads off. Silky on the palate with a discreetly concentrated core of juicy cherry flavor with a hint of oak plying the background. The tannins are fine grain and the overall impression is one of sleekness and purity. The length of the finish puts this wine in an upper category. (Previously reviewed on another occasion with a score of 94) Score: 93. Reviewed July 24, 2016 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 ARTICLE »
2007 Foursight “All In” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 407 cases, $46. Released spring 2010. A combination of all the clones in the estate vineyard (777, 114, 115, Pommard 5). 80% de-stemmed, wild yeast fermented both primary and malolactic. Aged in 20% new, 31% 2-year-old and 44% neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color and clear in the glass. A nicely composed wine that has benefited from time in the bottle. Fruity aromas of fresh berry compote carry over on the palate. Juicy, silky and seamless with plenty of charm. Very good. Reviewed July 1, 2011 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 ARTICLE »
2007 Foursight Charles Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $46. 100% de-stemmed and fermented with wild yeast. Aged in 33% new French oak barrels. · A redder profile starring plentiful strawberry aromas with wisps of oak, violets and lavender. Very tasty dark red fruits with some underlying earthiness and forest floor. A solid wine with a fine texture and well-integrated tannins. Reviewed July 9, 2009 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 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 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 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 ARTICLE »