Select lots of grapes are chosen from our vineyards in Sonoma County to create this beautifully-balanced and full-bodied 2009 Ferrari-Carano Merlot. This is a velvety wine with a complex nose of cinnamon candy, cherry cola, blackberry preserves, and exotic spices. A juicy, slightly viscous and rich mouthfeel is followed by notes of bittersweet chocolate, mocha and tobacco. This wine has full, generous tannins that coat the palate, impressive length and lasting acidity. 93% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 2% Petite Sirah
The Merlot vines are farmed on diverse, low-vigor vineyard sites ranging from valley floor sandy loam and gravel to steep, sloped, volcanic rock hillsides. A moderate summer in 2009 had our Merlot grapes hanging on the vine up to two weeks later than usual. This extra hang time concentrated flavors and softened tannins. We finished picking all of the Merlot vineyards by the second week of October.
The Merlot vines are farmed on diverse, low-vigor vineyard sites ranging from valley floor sandy loam and gravel to steep, sloped, volcanic rock hillsides. A moderate summer in 2009 had our Merlot grapes hanging on the vine up to two weeks later than usual. This extra hang time concentrated flavors and softened tannins. We finished picking all of the Merlot vineyards by the second week of October.