2016 Prospect 772 Wine Company Black Tie Charlie – A Big, Bold and Jammy Blend
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Pulled our last bottle of a 2016 Black Tie Charlie the other night. It was time as you could see the wicking of the wine on the cork. Caught it just before cresting at top! The Black Tie Charlie is a 50/50 blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah. The wine was perfectly preserved and represented a beautiful blend of these two strong grapes. First, on the eyes a deep cavernous black coloring, a foreboding of what is to spring forth of dark fruit. On the nose floral notes of violets and soft black licorice waft gently with aromatic nuances. On the palate, it is where these two varietals comingling produce layers upon layers of enjoyment. A synchronized orchestra of blackberries, blueberries, dark cherry and plum swirl about the mouth. Secondary muted notes of black pepper, vanilla and an earthiness ricochet from side to side. The finish is long with flavors of herbs, soft pipe tobacco, counterbalanced with a big, bold and jammy conclusion. This has been one of my favorite blends for 10 years now!
Today’s vintage is 2021 and sells for $33/bottle which is a bargain for such a bold and expressive wine.
The Winery
While only open to the public Thursday to Sunday, this is one winery worthy of visiting in Calaveras County. Founders Ron Pieretti and Wendy Sanda recently sold the winery to Francis & Kristina Johnson, and they are continuing to produce some exceptional Rhone varietals.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The grounds are beautifully maintained, and the tasting room has a “down home comfortability” and welcoming factor. To find Prospect 772, it is just off Highway 4 a few miles before reaching Angels Camp. Signs show where to turn and approximately one mile down this private road leads to 25 acres which comprises both the vineyards and tasting room.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Prospect 772 has stayed true to their mission of producing exciting Rhone varietals. Each of their wines has a descriptive name so I will provide that and then the varietals used in the production. Currently the wine line up is:
Tatum’s Grace – 50% Roussanne, 50% Viogner
Sparkling GSM Brut Rose – Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre
Baby Doll – Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre
The Stray – 71% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Syrah
The Truant – 71% Grenache, 22% Syrah and 7% Mourvedre
The Shadow – 41% Petite Sirah, 28% Grenache, 19% Syrah and 12% Mourvedre
The Brat – 84% Grenache and 16% Syrah
The Brawler – 94% Syrah and 6% Viognier
The Instigator – 100% Syrah
Big Nose Pete – 100% Petite Sirah
Black Tie Charlie – 50% Syrah and 50% Petite Sirah
Slainte,
Michael