Folk Machine Charbono
Region: Suisun, California
Year: 2014
Price: $18.99
Retailer: DomaineLA
Fuck man. It's December. When did that happen?
I don't know why I'm surprised. I am surprised every year, as if December doesn't usually show up. You'd think I'd get over it after twenty some odd years living on Earth and all, but here I am, with my eyes popping out of their cartoon sockets at the sight of a calendar.
I love December so much. It is one of my favorite months. But it's bittersweet. No matter how many ornaments you hang, or cookies you eat, or mistletoes you strategically get caught under, it's still the end. It's easy to accept the passage of time when spring blends into summer and summer slides into fall's tranquil interlude. Not so easy when it's staring you down from three weeks from now and your new desk calendar you swear is going to change your life arrives in the mail shrieking "JANUARY! 20FUCKING16!" in your face.
This Charbono tastes like that. Bittersweet. Like I'm already sad about the bottle being gone while I'm still drinking it because I want it to last forever. It tastes like a night you know will end or... oh, no I'm sounding like lyrics from that one Eve 6 song. Okay, I'm done waxing poetic/2001. You are literate and of drinking age, you understand the meaning of "bittersweet".
It also tastes bittersweet because it tastes like slightly sour Cherry Coke, which is fucking remarkable. Sour and Cherry Coke are probably my two favorite flavors in the WORLD. To have them come together in my favorite alcoholic beverage is bonkers. I love that it strikes you on the tip of your tongue and then mellows out on the swallow, which sounds sexual but because I am my own editor, I'm LEAVING IT.
Although Charbono is one of California's original grapes, it is rarely produced these days. The Folk Machine Charbono not only utilizes one of California's "endangered" grapes, but it excels at it. Its bouquet is big and bold, but it's actually much lighter and charming than your nose would lead you to believe. Although it does have its tannins, they are well-balanced, making this wine a joy to drink rather than a chore. Truly a lovely bottle that I believe captures what I love so much about California's history and future in winemaking.
Tasting Notes: The bouquet is big, earthy and fruity with lots of crisp blackberries. On the palate, medium-light body with lots of dark ripe cherries, vanilla, nutmeg and a touch of orange. Dry but balanced tannins leave you thirsty for more.
Ross Test: PASS!
