Let’s admit it — most celebrity wines come from those who love wine, but also want to make a profit off of it. Exception: former NBA star Charles Barkley. Barkley is launching CB Vineyards, a new wine with 100% of proceeds going to charity.
In fact, via HauteLiving, Barkley even went so far as to say, “I don’t want to put my name on something just to make money. That would make me Shaq.” While it’s not yet clear which charities the proceeds will go to, Barkley has made it explicit that he will not take any profits. The launch was announced on NBA on TNT’s Instagram (Barkley hosts the postgame show Inside the NBA).
There are three wines, which not surprisingly, are basketball themed. The Rebound Chardonnay ($24), attains a creamy mouthfeel through extended lees stirring. The Auburn Red Blend ($30) is a juicy wine with bright red fruit and acidity, made from Merlot and Petite Sirah. Finally, The Analyst Reserve Red Blend ($150) is only made in exceptional vintages. The 2014 vintage received “perfect fruit ripeness”, yielding a bouquet rich with dark fruit, oak, and chocolate. It is a blend of 54% Petite Sirah, 25% Petit Verdot, and 20% Merlot.
The wines are crafted by winemaker Chris Cameron of Broken Earth Winery and Regal Wine Co. Cameron is passionate about the potential of Paso Robles, and all of CB Vineyards’ wines are made from the area. He is also a strong believer in sustainable wine practices, including water conservation techniques and sustainable farming.
Learn more or purchase the wines at the Broken Earth Winery website.