1992 Ferrari-Carano Red Reserve

The 1992 is the greatest Reserve Red to date. Interestingly, it contains the smallest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (54%), and the highest percentage of Malbec (16%) and Cabernet Franc (11%). It displays a fabulous fragrance of blackcurrants, violets, minerals, licorice, and smoky oak. Splendidly full-bodied, with huge flavor extraction, but no sense of heaviness or overbearing tannin, this large-scaled, massively-endowed, profound example of proprietary red should peak by the middle of the first decade of the next century and drink well for 20-25 years thereafter. Not to be missed when released in several years, it is a knock-out! 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