Merlot (2015)
SommeliAI Insights
A medium-bodied Merlot with aromas of black cherry, cola, and vanilla, complemented by flavors of plum, licorice, and mocha.
About this wine
The 2015 Ferrari-Carano Merlot from Sonoma County offers a complex nose featuring black cherry, cola, rubbed sage, English toffee, and vanilla. On the palate, it presents flavors of plum galette and leather, with toasty clove notes imparted by its time in barrel. This medium-bodied wine has a velvety mouthfeel, impressive length, and a lasting, elegant finish. The 2015 vintage in Sonoma County was marked by a warm growing season, contributing to the wine's rich fruit character and balanced structure.
About the grape
Merlot, originally from France's Bordeaux region, was introduced to California in the mid-19th century. In Sonoma County, Merlot gained prominence in the 1970s when wineries like St. Francis began cultivating it extensively. By 2016, Sonoma County had nearly 5,000 acres of Merlot vineyards, making it one of the top regions for this varietal in California. The grape's adaptability to Sonoma's diverse microclimates has allowed vintners to produce Merlot wines with a range of flavors and styles.
Quick facts
- 🍷 The 2015 Ferrari-Carano Merlot is a velvety wine with a complex nose of plum, chocolate spice, dark berries, coffee, caramel, and cedar.
- 🪵 This Merlot is aged in French oak barrels, which imparts toasty clove notes to the wine.
- 🌄 Ferrari-Carano's vineyards span six appellations, including Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley, Napa/Carneros, Anderson Valley, and Mendocino Ridge.
- 🇮🇹 The winery's name honors Don Carano's paternal grandmother, Emelia Ferrari, reflecting the family's Italian heritage.
- 🌷 The estate features five acres of meticulously maintained gardens, attracting visitors as much as the wines themselves.
Palate profile
Producer
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery was founded in 1981 by Don and Rhonda Carano, who were inspired by the beauty of Northern Sonoma County while sourcing wines for their Reno hotel and casino. They began with a 60-acre parcel in Alexander Valley and expanded their holdings over time. The winery released its first wines in 1987, including a 1986 Fumé Blanc and a 1985 Alexander Valley Chardonnay. In 2019, Ferrari-Carano's 21 vineyards earned California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance certification, reflecting their commitment to sustainable practices. The winery is renowned for its Italianate architecture, Villa Fiore hospitality center, and five acres of exquisite gardens that attract numerous visitors annually.
