TNs: Ferrari-Carano Visit

We attempted to visit F-C on our honeymoon trip in May 2008 to see the gardens we had heard so much about, however we missed out and were committed to visiting on this trip. Having walked through the gardens in October, I can only imagine what they must be like in full bloom during the height of the season. Definitely has a commercial/touristy feel, but well worth the trip for the gardens. After walking the gardens and spending some time watching the hummingbirds, we went downstairs for our tasting. $15/person fee.

• 2008 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay Fiorella 90 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  Aged 10 months in French oak; 80% of the production underwent malolactic fermentation. Golden hue with apple, butterscotch, beeswax and lemon curd aromas. Rich texture with tropical fruit and butter tones on the palate. Long finish. 90-91 pts.

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• 2009 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay Dominique 92 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  Aged 14 months in French oak, 70% malolactic. Golden color. Notes of citrus, apple, oak and flowers. Flavors of apple, melon and lemon oil, with a nice mineral quality kicking in on the long finish.

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• 2009 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay Emelia's Cuvée 92 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  Aged 10 months in French oak, 100% malo. Golden color, greenish tint. Pear, honeysuckle, lemon peel, citrus and mineral aromas; lovely bouquet. Medium- to full-bodied; flavors of lemon, minerals and apple. Nice underlying acidity. Long finish. 92-93 pts.

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• 2008 Ferrari-Carano Pinot Noir 92 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  Aged in 100% French oak with an abv of 14.5%. Ruby/garnet color. Notes of cherry, rose petals and a hint of cola. Medium-bodied with a lovely silky texture and flavors of black cherry, raspberry, vanilla and spice. Well-balanced; nice acid; long finish. Impressive.

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• 2008 Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Mountain Vineyards 92 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

  This is a blend of 85% Cabernet and 15% Syrah from the Rock Rise and Look Out vineyards in Alexander Valley, hence the designation "Mountain Vineyards." Aged 20 months in French oak (45% new, 55% older). Deep crimson color, opaque core. Aromas of red currants, herbs, black cherry, lavender and violets. Full-bodied with firm tannins and flavors blackberry & cassis, black cherry and oak spices. Long finish.

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• 2007 Ferrari-Carano Trésor 89 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

  The blend for the '07 is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petite Verdot, 4% Malbec, 4% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. It spent 20 months in French oak, 60% of which was new. Inky garnet color with aromas of cassis, molasses and raisiny dark fruit- ripe. Firm, dense tannins and flavors of black fruit and vanilla with a long finish.

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• 2006 Ferrari-Carano Prevail West Face 91 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

  64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Syrah from west-facing slopes of the Look Out vineyard. Aged 20 months in French oak, 60% of which was new, with an abv of 14.8%. Inky crimson color. Notes of florals, red and black fruits. Full-bodied, with firm, drying tannins and flavors of red fruit, cassis and plums.

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• 2006 Ferrari-Carano Prevail Back Forty 93 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

  100% Cabernet Sauvignon (French clones 337 & 338) from a 40-acre block of the Rock Rise vineyard at an elevation of 1,100 feet. Aged for 20 months in 80% new French oak, and another 14 months in bottle. 14.9% abv. Purple/crimson color. Aromas of espresso, blackberry, violets, cassis and black cherry. Full-bodied with firm tannins, yet has a velvety texture and is well-balanced. Flavors of mocha, black fruit, cherry and red currants. Long finish. Wow- I wasn't expecting a wine this good here. 93-94 pts.

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This was our last tasting of the trip, and a nice way to end it. We drove back to Napa through the Alexander and Knights Valleys, back through Calistoga. I had not been through the area before- very scenic and a nice, relaxing drive.