2023 Frediani Ranch

Nose of juicy watermelon, blueberry, botanicals and wild herbs. Medium plus body with plush texture and flavors of boysenberry and dark chocolate. SR (2/26)

A cool, wet winter and mild summer allowed for slow, even ripening, resulting in exceptional depth and vibrancy in the fruit. A nod to Napa’s past, this historic blend showcases three varieties from the renowned Frediani Ranch in Calistoga. Valdiguié adds freshness, charbono depth, and petite sirah structure. Once a staple in the 1970s, these varieties are now rarely combined, making this wine a true reflection of the valley’s heritage. Excellent now and over the next six years. SR (3/25)

Since the 1970s, Jim Frediani (pronounced with a hard “a”) has been farming his family’s vineyard that spans the Silverado Trail. The vineyard is comprised of volcanic, gravelly loam soils with many different varieties planted in the ranch. They grow valdiguié, charbono, petite sirah, cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, syrah, zinfandel, grenache, cabernet franc, merlot and carignane. The oldest block on the ranch dates to the mid-1930s. Valdiguié was once widely planted in California but now Frediani is home to some of the only vines that remain. The Frediani family should be lauded for keeping these viticultural antiquities in the ground. So many ranches on the Silverado Trail tore out their heritage vines and planted cabernet sauvignon, which dominates this area in Napa Valley.

Rainfall: 64 inches (above normal)
Bloom: Early June
Weather: Cool, even growing season.

Harvest Dates: 27 September – valdiguié, 9 October – charbono and petite sirah
Grapes: Average Brix 24.1˚
TA: 5.88 g/L
pH: 3.76
Fermentation: 100% whole cluster pressed; natural primary and secondary.
Barrels: 100% air-dried American oak barrels (12% new, 10% one year old, 20% two years old, 8% three years old, and 50% neutral).
Aging: 16 months in barrel

Sustainably farmed, hand-harvested, grapes; whole-cluster pressed; fermented on the native yeasts, followed by a full malolactic on the naturally occurring bacteria; minimum effective sulfur for this wine (35 ppm at crush, 74 ppm over the course of aging); pad filtered at bottling. In keeping with our philosophy of minimal intervention, this is the sum of our actions.

Vinous: 96 Points “40% Valdiguié, 37% Petite Sirah and 23% Charbono, the 2023 oozes old-school California charm in such a unique package. Juicy watermelon, a range of wild herb tones, muscular dark chocolate tannins, savory earthy elements and a touch of floral harmonize in a broad, resonant wine that just sings in the glass. There’s such personality here. Such is the unimpeachable charm of heritage sites in California. Don’t miss it.” -Billy Norris (January 2026)

JamesSuckling.com: 93 Points “Bright red fruit, pomegranates and blackberries on the nose. The palate is mid-weighted with taut acidity, crunchy tannins and a plush texture, bringing vibrancy and freshness. An interesting and fun wine made from 40% valdiguie, 37% petite sirah and 23% charbono. Drink or hold.” -Ryan Montgomery (July 2026)

Wine Enthusiast: 92 Points + Hidden Gem “Tart cranberry, pomegranate, cinnamon, and flowers swirl on the nose of this unique blend featuring Valdiguié, Petite Sirah, and Charbono. The palate balances rich tannin with juicy acidity and flavors of concentrated black cherry, blueberry, licorice, and violets that intensify on the finish. Drink with all manner of barbecued meats.” -Tom Capo (October 2026)

Average Rating: 89

No. of Tasting Notes: 11

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