Wines
of the Week: Charles R. Vineyards
Charles
R. Vineyards is tuck away in a far corner of the Livermore
Valley, but don't let the location fool you, because it couldn't
be a more welcoming place. Owners Dick and
Bonnie Bartlett think of their winery's visitors
like family. They only want the best for them. Thus, even though
it costs a bit more, the pair are always after the best fruit
in the valley and try to obtain it from organic vineyards whenever
possible. The mood at the winery is comfortable and casual,
making it clear that so much of what Dick and Bonnie do is because
of their affinity for people. In a way, it seems that having
a good conversation and a making a new friend is more important
to them than selling extra wine. So take a trip out to the Livermore
Valley and visit them. You're bound to find that the people
and the wines are both very welcoming.
Charles
R. Vineyards Label Reviews
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Charles
R Vineyards Chardonnay 2009
Grape(s):
Chardonnay
Winery: Charles R Vineyards
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2009
Special Designation:
Price:
15-20
Review:
Notes of vanilla, honey, gram-cracker and pineapple mingle
with suggestions of perfume on the nose. A sip reveals
flavors of pear and pineapple, as well as springtime floral
notes and a hint of toasty oak. A wine that has a refreshing
acidity and a somewhat usual flavors profile, it's for
fans of somewhat unorthodox Chardonnay.
Rating: 87
Character: bright fruit,
floral, balanced acidity
Farming Certification: (none) |
 |
Charles
R Vineyards Zinfandel 2007
Grape(s):
Zinfandel
Winery: Charles R Vineyards
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2007
Special Designation:
Price:
25-30
Review:
Blackberry and cherry aromas lead off on the nose. The
palate offers flavors of cherry, blackberry, and blueberry
with accents of black licorice, musty oak, and hints of
spice. A lighter Zin, without much pepper, it's for fans
for easy going reds.
Rating: 89
Character: dark fruit,
softer mouthfeel, lighter tannins
Farming Certification: (none) |
 |
Charles
R Vineyards Petite Sirah 2008
Grape(s):
Petite Sirah
Winery: Charles R Vineyards
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2008
Special Designation:
Price:
25-30
Review:
Aromatics of boysenberry and cherry are rounded out by
notes of smoked meat and pepper on the nose. The palate
reveals flavors of blackberries, cherries, and blueberries
that flow into suggestions of pepper and a bit of oak.
A bit lighter than most Petite Sirahs, it's for fans of
reds with brighter fruit and softer spice.
Rating: 90
Character: dark fruit,
softer mouthfeel, lighter tannins
Farming Certification: (none) |
|
Charles
R Vineyards Syrah 2007
Grape(s):
Syrah
Winery: Charles R Vineyards
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2007
Special Designation:
Price:
25-30
Review:
Aromatics of bright red berries combine with hints of
musty oak and spice on the nose. Flavors of cherry and
slightly tart plum dominate the palate with accents of
pepper, leather, and oak. A light, lively Syrah, it's
geared for those who enjoy subtle and bright over rich
and dark.
Rating: 88
Character: light fruit,
plush tannins, bright mouthfeel
Farming Certification: (none) |
By
Jason Barlow
| 96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
| 92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
| 85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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www.charlesrvineyards.com
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