Tasting Report: Ferrari-Carano and J Vineyards, 2014
A recent trip to Sonoma County took us to a pair of well-known wineries to sample their latest bottlings. Here’s a look at what’s new from Ferrari-Carano (including a number of rare dessert wines) and J Vineyards, best known for its sparkling production.
Ferrari-Carano
2011 Ferrari-Carano Pinot Noir Russian River Valley / $38 / B+ / licorice notes
2010 Ferrari-Carano Sky High Ranch Pinot Noir Mendocino Ridge / $42 / B+ / some mint, strong currant notes
2011 Ferrari-Carano Sangiovese Dry Creek Valley / $42 / B / a bit sweaty
2010 Ferrari-Carano Tresor Bordeaux Blend / $52 / B+ / slightly thin, chocolate cherry notes later
2008 Ferrari-Carano PreVail West Face Alexander Valley / $55 / A- / blueberry, dense and chewy, brownie-like; 100% cabernet sauvignon, late harvest
2007 Ferrari-Carano PreVail Back Forty Alexander Valley / $85 / B / fading, some astringency; 100% semillon (sweet)
2008 Ferrari-Carano Eldorado Gold Sonoma County (375ml) / $30 / B / orange honey notes, some Christmas cake, a bit thin; 100% black muscat (sweet)
J Vineyards
2012 J Vineyards Vin Gris Russian River Valley / $20 / B / some vegetal character, dry, floral finish
2012 J Vineyards Chardonnay Russian River Valley / $28 / B+ / buttery nose, lots of nuts, vanilla, fresh cookies
2012 J Vineyards Pinot Noir Russian River Valley / $37 / A- / cherry, raspberry, coffee notes, some chocolate
2012 J Vineyards Misterra Pinot Noir Russian River Valley / $50 / A / 6% pinot meunier, 4% pinotage; fruitier, more dense and intense; big blucberry notes, with better structure
NV J Vineyards J Cuvee 20 Brut Russian River Valley / $28 / A- / clean, apple and apricot, some nuttiness, well-balanced, tight finish
About Post Author
Dear Christopher,
Thank for your Tasting Report on our wines, we are thrilled you enjoyed the intense, clean structure, and well-balanced attributes of our various wines that you reviewed and savored. We are honored to have hosted your visit in November and we look forward to your next trip to J so we may provide you with another elegant and inspiring tasting experience. Cheer to a Happy New Near for you in 2014!
Sincerely,
Elisa and the J Team