Don-Rhonda2

Don and Rhonda Carano have established their name as one of the most respected in California wine, first with Ferrari-Carano Winery in Sonoma County and, more recently (since 2008), with Lazy Creek Vineyards in Mendocino County.  Over the years, the pair has accumulated and cultivated some of the finest vineyard properties in all of California, and those efforts are apparent in the quality of their wines.

cab2013

Ferrari Carano 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon & Syrah

Region: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County

Price: 30-35

Tasting Notes:

Aromatics of black cherries, cassis, and dark plums mingle with notes of spice, toasty vanilla, and licorice on the nose. With a sip, flavors of currant, cherry, and plum are accented by traces of anise, toffee, and smoky,spicy oak. Welcoming fruit and cocoa tannins make this wine a fine match for lamb stew.

Rating: 90

sky-high2014

Ferrari Carano 2014 “Sky High Ranch” Pinot Noir

Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Mendocino County, Ca

Price: 45-50

Tasting Notes:

A bouquet of raspberries, cherries, vanilla, and floral spice greets the senses. The palate showcases flavors of cherry, raspberry, and boysenberry that  flow into whispers of vanilla, minerals, and anise. Offering dark fruit and a velvet mouthfeel, open a bottle with pork tenderloin. 300 cases produced.

Rating: 90

 

LCV_PINOT_750

Lazy Creek Vineyards 2014 Rose of Pinot Noir

Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Mendocino County, Ca

Price: 20-25

Tasting Notes:

The nose offers aromas of strawberry, watermelon, and nectarine as well as a hint of citrus peal. Flavors of strawberry, stone and citrus fruits open up into allusions of lemon custard on the palate. Fairly round, with a friendly acidity, bring a bottle along for your next picnic. 831 cases were made.

Rating: 89

 

Gewurz

Lazy Creek Vineyards 2014 Gewurztraminer

Grape(s): 100% Gewurztraminer

Region: Mendocino County, Ca

Price: 20-25

Tasting Notes:

Fragrances of lychee fruit, pear, sweet spice, and orange blossom rise up from a glass. Tropical and stone fruits interweave with suggestions of all-spice, citrus zest, and honeysuckle on the palate. A wine that’s rather crisp and floral, it will pair nicely with a balsamic-glazed duck breast. Just 65 cases produced.

Rating: 89

LCV_PINOT_750

Lazy Creek Vineyards 2014 “Middleridge Ranch” Pinot Noir

Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Mendocino County, Ca

Price: 45-50

Tasting Notes:

Cherry, strawberry, and raspberry notes mingle with allusions of cola and sweet spice on the nose. A sip deliverers flavors of cherries, raspberries, and plums that unfold into traces of cola, nutmeg, and minerals on the palate. With alluring red fruit and plush tannins, a roast chicken will make a nice pairing. 418 cases were made.

Rating: 90

2014 Estate_Pinot Noir

Lazy Creek Vineyards 2014 Estate Pinot Noir

Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Mendocino County, Ca

Price: 55-60

Tasting Notes:

Notes of strawberries, cherries, and plums come forth on the nose, alongside accents of vanilla, licorice, and clove. The palate reveals flavors of black cherry, plum, and boysenberry that unfold into traces of sweet spice, anise, and toasty vanilla. Offering ample dark fruit, a welcoming acidity, and silky tannins, a wild mushroom risotto would make a fine paring. 424 cases produced.

Rating: 90