Oak Cliff Cellars

"Art in the Bottle; Friendship in the Glass"
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The Tofanelli and DiGiulio Ranch vineyards of Calistoga were founded in 1929 by our Italian immigrant grandfather, Sebastian DiGiulio and our grandmother, Irene DalPorto of St. Helena.  Their old-world farming traditions continue today under the hands-on guidance of their daughter, our mother, Pauline DiGiulio Tofanelli, pictured here.
 
The historical vineyard located at the top of the Napa Valley near the town of Calistoga now stands as one of the last examples of pre-World War II grape growing.  The methods we still use were once prevalent throughout the valley; no irrigation (not even a drip line to be seen), an organic philosophy (we never jumped on the bandwagon of post-war pesticides), and no trellis systems on our red varietals (these vines are free standing without wire support).
 
Known for our Zinfandel, we also grow rare and unusual varietals such as Charbono, Sauvignon Musque', Semillon, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Grenache, Mondeuse Noir and Cinsault.
 
Our family is honored to offer ultra premium Zinfandel and Charbono from the estate vineyard that we've been farming on a daily basis since 1929.  Extremely limite production (under 1000 cases annually) enables us to focus on quality with a hands on approach that reaches from grapevine to bottle.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
 
 Toffanelli  2006  Zinfandel
 
Leaping out of the glass with notes of black cherry, candied apple, raspberry jam, orange zest and cola nut, rounded out with hints of cedar, black tea and cigar box, this Zin coats the palate gently with supple, brambly fruit concentration.  Sophisticated, layered and well-balanced, the wine's natural acidity marries perfectly with the fine oak tannins that lend weight and length to the mouthfeel.  Pairs nicely with well-ripened hard cheeses such as French Cantal.  
 
 Retail Price ................................................................$36
 
 
 
                                                                     
 
 
Tofanelli 2006 Charbono
 
In addition to being extremely dark and deep, the aromas and flavors of this exotic wine combine distinctive aspects of blueberry compote, brioche, hazelnut, sweet tobacco, allspice, leather and wet granite.  Mouth-filling and very inviting, its finely-grained tannins conjure crushed black velvet.  This wine is fantastic with food and will age graciously for up to 15 years. Pairs deliciously with soft, ragrant cheeses such as Italian Dolce Gorganzola. 
 
Retail Price ................................................................ $36