I did not grow up with a large family. Seeing extended family — even some type of grandparent-like figure — was reserved for holidays. And I’m ok with that because what it means is that my little family of four is actually quite close. I grew up with a mommy, a daddy, and a brother (and our dog, Sparky, who will be the first to greet me at the pearly gates).
My parents are the kind of parents who will play with me, help me with my homework, talk me through tough times, and celebrate even the smallest of victories with me. My brother is the kind of kid that can crawl under my skin and be utterly annoying, but is always there for me at a drop of a hat. I say these things in the present tense because, even as an adult-aged child, all these statements remain true. I used to think I wanted to be a part of a large family, have endless lists of relatives. Not anymore. Party of four means I’m never lost in the crowd, can give and receive attention when needed. Plus we don’t have to wait that long for a table at restaurants. 
Like my family, Foursight Wines is a party of four, run by Bill, Nancy, and Christy Charles and Christy’s husband Joe Webb. The tight-knit group maintains an intimate 15-acre estate and run the day-to-day operations all themselves — from vineyard maintenance to tasting room management. All their wines — Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir — are all 100% sourced from their family’s eponymous vineyard, Charles Vineyard.
So, for Foursight wines, party of four means focused vine care, focused winemaking — and they probably don’t have to wait that long for a table at restaurants either…
About the Wine: In all of Anderson Valley, there are only 2.7 acres planted to Semillon. Charles Vineyard is home to .3 acres. Read: this is a unique grape variety and wine varietal for the area.
The Foursight 2014 Charles Vineyard Semillon is made from 100% Semillon grapes harvested from Foursight Vineyards estate vineyard, Charles Vineyard in Anderson Valley. The wine was fermented with wild yeast in combination French oak barrels ( 20% new, 60% seasoned) and stainless steel barrels (20%). The wine also completed full malolactic fermentation with wild strains.
The final wine was bottled unfiltered and unfined.
12.8% ABV
Flavor Profile: Open the bottle and breathe in the gentle whisper of light fruit scents: white peaches, white nectarines, rambutan. On the pour, the Foursight 2014 Charles Vineyard Semillon is a light champagne-shade of yellow, settling into the glass with a soft, sandy glow. Initial aromas are of the stone fruits scented from the bottle, but add to it a hint of acid and a hint of oak. Truly this wine has potential. Swirl and awaken the acidity and enliven the oak — those stone fruits are still fresh but are now surrounded by a light pastry or pastry crumble. Move the nose around the glass to find thereare some floral aromas, like peonies and sweet peas, as well as a bit of sun and sand.
On the palate, the Foursight 2014 Charles Vineyard Semillon is soft, smooth, with a suggestion of sweetness from the raw nectar flavor. (Note: this wine is not sweet.) For how fruit forward the nose is, the palate actually suggests more dominant floral flavors of honeysuckle and nasturtium, with a back-palate reminiscent of pollen. The acidity is subtle through and through, with just a tickle at the top of the tip of the tongue. Dominant fruit flavors are a bit more tropical than initially interpreted on the nose. Add to those white stone fruits a bit of under-rip mango, slightly over-ripe pineapple.
Food Pairing: I paired the Foursight 2014 Charles Vineyard Semillon with, well, a pizza. Because that’s what I wanted and this wine is what I wanted. And when I think of Foursight wines I can’t help but think of family and fun. What’s more fun than family pizza night? (Answer: not a whole lot).
Anyway…
The richness of the cheese and dough brought out the freshness in the wine. Meanwhile the herbs and veggies on the pizza brought out a bit of depth and texture to the wine I hadn’t noticed at first. Indeed, there is a little coat to the tongue if you concentrate.
I recommend keeping this wine slightly chilled to enjoy a bit of effervescence (predominantly on the top of the tip of the tongue, but with the food it permeates around the perimeter of the tongue as well).
More Info: I received the Foursight 2014 Charles Vineyard Semillon as a sample for review. (Cheers Kristy!) Retail: $24. For more information and to purchase wines directly, please visit the Foursight Wines website.
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