Ferrari-Carano 2016 Merlot, Sonoma

This is a velvety Merlot has always been one of Ferrari-Carano's most expressive wines. Select lots of grapes are chosen from Ferrari-Carano’s vineyards in Sonoma County to create this beautifully-balanced and medium-bodied wine. The cool climate, valley-floor vineyards produce supple, fruit-forward wine, while the mountaintop vineyard fruit lends intensity and structure.

100% Merlot, the hand-harvested grapes are sorted, destemmed and then cold soaked for three days. Following the cold soak, yeast is added and pump overs commence, one to two times daily, for the duration of primary fermentation. The wine is drained and pressed, then moved to barrels for malolactic fermentation, remaining in individual lots until blending and bottling. The wine completes a total of 16 months barrel aging in 33% new French, Eastern European and American oak and 67% older oak

This shows a complex nose of cherry cola, cedar, vanilla and English toffee, followed by an enticing mouthfeel with flavors of plum, licorice, raspberry, mocha and cinnamon spice. This wine has impressive length and a lasting, elegant finish. Awarded Gold Medals in Both the TexSom International Wine Competition AND the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition!