Brix26

June 13, 2008
Charter Oak 2006 Estate Zinfandel Napa Valley

Dear Friend of Brix26,

Yes, Emeril Lagasse did feature the Charter Oak 2006 Napa Valley Zinfandel on a recent show, but we were on to it months ago after this tiny producer was one of our top picks from the 2006 Zinfandels at the annual ZAP tasting. Though Charter Oak is barely known except among Zinfandel connoisseurs, when tasted against the cult Masters of Zin (Turley, Martinelli, Biale, Rafanelli, etc) Charter Oak easily matches, and even tops, the power and complexity of these wines. The one thing Charter Oak doesn’t share with these wines is the high levels of alcohol (and prices). Owner Rob Fanucci blends in a small amount of Petite Sirah to give it body, and hand-crafted only 400 cases...

Tasting Notes: This is a big, thick, juicy, jammy blackberry-scented Napa Zin, including fruit from Charter Oak estate vineyard, with layers of lush fruit and well-integrated toasty French oak. Blended with Old Vine Petite Sirah from the historic David Fulton Vineyard in St. Helena for added muscle and Zinfandel from the famed Monte Rosso Vineyard for added spice. This is black balanced ooze in a glass with a silky and satin finish. Aged exclusively in French oak burgundy barrels.

Inside Scoop: The 2006 Charter Oak wines may be the single greatest vintage Rob Fanucci has ever produced. There is a purity of fruit, a finesse and elegance which show a balance not found in most California Zins. Made with fruit from vines planted in St. Helena where his grandfather planted vines nearly 100 years ago, they have been pruned to produce small, highly concentrated, grapes. Not only does Rob farm this same land, he also uses some of his grandfather’s 100+ year-old winemaking tools, including a wooden "punch-down" tool and an old basket press (both, naturally, kept in the chicken coop when not being used).

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