2006 Ferrari-Carano Prevail West Face

The 2006 West Face, a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon and 39% Syrah, is an excellent effort from winemaker Philippe Melka and proprietor Don Carano. It possesses plenty of earthiness and pepper along with undertones of sandy, loamy soil, and sweet, herb-tinged black cherry and black currant fruit, in addition to an attractive texture and slightly rugged tannins in the finish. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. Neither of these cuvees turned out as well as I thought they would from barrel samples tasted last year - a rarity in my California tastings. Tel. (800) 573-0075 and (707) 433-6775