This is an impressive example from a Calistoga vineyard owned by Jim and Beth Summers. This thick, dark ruby/purple-colored 1998 Charbono exhibits abundant quantities of peppery, earthy black fruits, a notion of new saddle leather, good spice, medium body, and excellent purity and depth. It should drink well for 3-4 years. An exuberant, tasty effort, readers should think of it as a hearty bistro-styled red for drinking with barbecue and burgers. Tel. (707) 942-5508