1990 Ferrari-Carano Red Reserve

The only Reserve Red to exhibit any herbaceousness is the 1990 Reserve Red. It offers a blackcurrant, olive, and Provencal herb-scented nose, layers of rich, sweet, jammy fruit, full body, and gobs of glycerin and alcohol that nearly conceal the substantial tannin in the finish. It is a big, rich, lusty wine that because of its low acidity and sweet tannin can be drunk now or cellared for 15+ years. Ferrari-Carano's best kept secret are their expensive Reserve Reds, which are bottled in very tall, heavy Italian glass bottles. The debut release was the 1989, which was very good. That has been followed by superb efforts in 1990, 1991, and 1992. The blends have been relatively consistent, utilizing between 65-70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4-10% Petit Verdot, a small percentage of Merlot, ranging from nearly 9% in 1990 to 23% in 1993, and an intriguing amount of Malbec (11.5% in 1990, 4% in 1991, and 16% in 1992). One of the bright shining success stories of California, Ferrari-Carano has a brilliant future. Tel. (707) 433-6700