Ferrari-Carano sounds like a sports car, drinks like one, too

By Darryl Beeson

Don and Rhonda Carano have explained their dreams when they first came to Sonoma County being to create a winery estate where they could craft world-class wines. I have personally served their red wines to Mick Jagger within my duties as a wine steward. I know, it's only rock and roll, but he likes it. I do, too. Recipes and info are at www.ferrari-carano.com.

Ferrari-Carano Merlot, Sonoma 2005
Price    $25
Rating  94
Dark in color, the nose is complex with very ripe cherry, blackberry confiture, and brown "baking" spice, the exact blend is 90% Merlot, 6% Malbec, and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine in progress is blended and barrel aged for 18 months in 70% older French oak, 25% new French oak, 5% American oak, allowing a balance of ripe fruit, bold tannin, and elegant oak.

Rhonda Carano's recipe suggestion is Roasted Pork Loin with Port Wine Sauce. "The fruit forward, easy drinking qualities of our 2005 Ferrari-Carano Merlot make it the perfect wine to pair with any red meat course, Italian entrée, and roasted or grilled fragrantly-spiced poultry dishes."

Ferrari-Carano "Trésor" Sonoma 2004
Price    $58
Rating  96
"Ferrari-Carano presents its finest blend of the five classic Bordeaux varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot from the best selections of all our vineyards in Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys," explains co-founder Don Carano.

Correctly named “Trésor” (meaning treasure),  the grapes are selectly hand harvested from dry-farmed, low yielding vines primarily on mountain-side vineyards. "Expansive aromas of blackberry and licorice from the Cabernet Sauvignon pair with the exotic notes of blueberry, cherry and black currant from the Malbec and Petit Verdot to provide the signature of this Meritage blend. With a full bodied and richly textured tannin profile, this blend exudes a concentrated palate of intense red and black berries, chocolate and espresso," says Carano. The exact blend is 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Malbec, 11% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot. The cooperage is 55% new French oak and 45% older French oak

Ferrari-Carano "Siena" Sonoma 2005
Price    $23
Rating  93
Ferrari-Carano’s Italian heritage shouts-out in this Sangiovese-based, multi-layeredl blend. Grapes were sources from important vineyards in Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys to create a well balanced red. There are aromas of freshly picked berries, baking spice along with mocha. This wine is composed of primarily Sangiovese, blended with small amounts of Malbec and Zinfandel (80% Sangiovese, 16% Malbec, 4% Zinfandel, to be precise).

Rhonda Carano's recipe suggestion is Risotto with Gorgonzola and Asparagus. "It pairs perfectly with savory Italian dishes, pasta with flavorful tomato sauces or pizza. Siena is also good with American favorites such as chicken, lamb, pork and beef."

Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley  2005
Price    $38
Rating  94
The luscious grapes for the Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon are sourced primarily from mountain-grown fruit in Alexander Valley. Soft fog rolls in over the tops of these coastal mountains and burns off late morning, resulting in a warm growing climate with great sun throughout the day, ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon. Imagine aromas of blackberry, dark chocolate and even steeped tea with elements of earthiness and anise or fennel. Rich dark fruit, currants, and perhaps toffee give this red a richly ripe mid-palate. The tannins are smooth. The length is long. This wine is composed of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon. The exact blend is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon; 4% Syrah; 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot.

Rhonda Carano's recipe suggestion is Grilled Lamb Chops with Wine Mint Marinade. "Our 2005 Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with roasted, broiled or barbequed heavy game and red meats such as lamb, beef, pork and veal. Medium and strong-flavored cheeses such as blue cheese or sharp cheddar also pair nicely with Cabernet Sauvignon."

Ferrari-Carano Fumé Blanc, Sonoma 2006
Price    $17
Rating  93
Ferrari-Carano's Fumé Blanc is a brilliant blend of excellent Sonoma vineyards, the sites being well-drained and producing elegant, magnificent fruit. Consider flavors and aromas of exotic fruit, exotic melon, tart gooseberry, along with herbal grassiness defined by crisp citrus notes.

Rhonda Carano's recipe suggestion is Spicy Lime Ginger Grilled Shrimp. "The 2006 Fumé Blanc pairs well with simple seafood and light pasta dishes, and also holds up nicely with white meats such as veal and pork. The Fumé Blanc has lively flavors that go well with spicy and ethnic cuisines such as Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, Korean, Mexican and Southwestern dishes."

Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay, Alexander Valley  2005
Price    $28
Rating  94
They blend fruit from eight of their most prized vineyards in Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Napa/Carneros. This powerful Chardonnay is a fruit forward providing exotic overtones of tropical melon, along with toasted nuts and complex yeast nuances.

Rhonda Carano's recipe suggestion is Salmon in Cardamom Wine Broth. "Our Alexander Valley Chardonnay is a complex, fruit-driven Chardonnay that calls for richer foods such as lobster, mussels or salmon. Creamy risottos and pungent flavored cheeses are always a hit with our Alexander Valley Chardonnay, as well as hearty chicken, pork, turkey and veal dishes."

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Darryl Beeson travels the world looking for great food, wine, spirits and the unique destinations that provide such. He is American editor of www.wineontheweb.com and teaches for The International Sommelier Guild at www.internationalsommelier.com.