If you are tired of the same old Cabs and Zins and looking for something new and different that will knock your socks off, DO NOT MISS this 90 Points Summers Estate Wines 2015 Villa Adriana Vineyard Calistoga Charbono. Seriously, this Napa Valley treasure may be our tasting panel’s new favorite varietal.

For those of you unfamiliar about Charbono, here’s how the winery itself introduces the grape: “The signature “unique” wine offered by Summers is, Charbono. The name is thought to be an early Italian immigrant version of Charbonneau, a French varietal. Some strongly believe that this variety is a close relative to the Dolcetto variety, widely grown in northern Italy. The vine bears very large fruit which is used to make a very dark red wine, that, when subjected to extended skin contact during fermentation, is full of fruit flavor and low in tannins.”

It’s love at first sight, shining through the glass with a gorgeous inky royal purple that bleeds right to the edge. Brace yourself. This wine may have one of the most beautiful aromas you’ve ever smelled. Lush berry bursts forth with boysenberry, cherry, and plum with an intense floral bouquet of gardenia night jasmine. The floral aspect, which typically is reserved for the nose, translates incredibly directly to the palate with gardenia, fresh rose, and jasmine here too. The berry components are even more pronounced. If the flavor and aroma wasn’t enough to wow, the wine is also impeccably structured with an excellent balance of acidity, sugar, and tannin, providing a gorgeous backdrop for this wild performance. A balmy summer evening. Forget the food!

Summers has been around for over 30 years farming their Knights Valley (an incredible AVA) vineyard with love and care. The estate has been planted with Charbono since the beginning and it has become their signature wine, and we can attest - they have perfected it.

Here’s what the wine press has to say:

90 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine: “A rare 100% representation of the variety, this is juicy, dusty and restrained, showing soft waves of blackberry, blueberry, black licorice and a smoky edge of black olive. The texture is soft and bright.”