Ferrari-Carano’s New Pinot Noir Program
The Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery in Healdsburg, California, was founded in 1981 by Donald
and Rhonda Carano and was named after Don’s grandmother, Amelia Ferrari. The Caranos are both
second-generation Italian-Americans from Reno, Nevada, where they own the Eldorado Hotel/Casino.
On a wine buying trip to California’s Sonoma County, Don and Rhonda fell in love with the area and
purchased an old farmhouse surrounded by 30 acres of wine grapes in the Alexander Valley (The pair
still reside there when in Sonoma). They soon developed an interest in winemaking and began vinifying
wine in their barn. Bottled under the “Carano Cellars” label, the first wines were given to friends.
A serious commitment to Ferrai-Carano Vineyards and Winery began with the acquisition of 250 acres
of prime Sonoma County vineyards in the Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys. George Bursick became
their first winemaker (see J Vineyards and Winery story, page 1). A winery was constructed beginning
in 1985, and the first wine bearing the Ferrari-Carano name (1985 Ferrari-Carano Alexander Valley
Chardonnay) was released in 1987. Critical acclaim for Ferrari-Carano wines followed quickly and
many wine lovers of my generation remember downing many fine bottles of Ferrari-Carano Fume
Blanc and Chardonnay.
Through the years, Ferrari-Carano has dabbled in Pinot Noir, producing a Rhonda’s Reserve Pinot Noir
(Pinot is Rhonda’s wine of choice). A serious Pinot Noir program was finally launched with the 2006
vintage. Essentially, a small Pinot Noir winery was started within the current white wine production
facility in Healdsburg (the red wines of Ferrari-Carano are produced at the Mountain Winery Estate in
Alexander Valley under the direction of Aaron Piotter). Pinot Noir vineyards were purchased in the
Russian River Valley and in the Mendocino Ridge area (Anderson Valley AVA) high above Anderson
Valley . The Mendocino Ridge property, Sky High Ranch Vineyard (previously called Hayward
Ranch), is located at 1,600 feet, eight miles from the Pacific Ocean. Planted in 2003 to clones 667, 777,
828 and Pommard, yields here are miniscule (.58 tons/acre in 2006, .67 tons/acre in 2007). The name
“Sky High” is ironic as the vineyard site used to be occupied by hippies who farmed another crop of
some repute. Pinot Noir is also sourced from vineyards farmed by the Dutton Company in the Russian
River Valley.
When George Bursick left Ferrari-Carano for J Vineyards and
Winery, Sarah Quider was brought in to direct the white wine
program and Pinot Noir production. Sarah told me she obtained a
degree in Biology, but her first job at a marine research facility in
Bodega Bay lasted only a short time because she was deterred by
the smell of fish (“ugh,” she says). The smell of wine was a whole
lot more appealing and she obtained a harvest internship at Ferrari-
Carano where she fell in love with the aromas and the excitement
of winemaking. Sarah subsequently worked at Jordan Winery
and pursued a degree at University California Davis, graduating in
2003. She became winemaker at Ferrari-Carano in 2006. Her able
assistant is Christine Griffith.
I recently visited the beautiful Ferrari-Carano estate and tasted through both the two current 2006
Pinot Noir releases and the two 2007 Pinot Noirs from barrel with Sarah and Christine. It was clear that
these women show a nice touch with Pinot Noir and it would appear the Pinot Noir program at Ferrari-
Carano is in very capable hands. I previously reviewed the 2006 Ferrari-Carano Sky High Ranch Pinot
Noir favorably (PinotFile, Volume 6, Issue 60)
2006 Ferrari-Carano Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5%
alc., $32. Clusters were de-stemmed, allowing partial whole
cluster fermentation. Reductive winemaking throughout. Various
yeast strains were used. Barrel aged for 9 months in 30% new
French oak.
·
A cherry-driven wine with a pleasant compliment of
underbrush and herbs. Elegant, with adequate acidity, a clean
finish, and deft use of oak.
2006 Ferrari-Carano Sky High Ranch Mendocino Ridge Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $46. Winemaking as for the Russian River Valley
Pinot Noir except the cold soak was extended and aging lasted 15
months in 50% new Burgundian French oak.
·
This wine rewards patience
and contemplation as it changes constantly in the glass. Impressive
core of jammy berries and black cherry with a sidecar of oak spice
and chocolate, and a citrus note on the finish. Nicely composed and
balanced and more richly structured than the wine above.
The five acres of gardens at Ferrari-Carano are spectacular and worth a visit. The over 2000 species of
trees (including a cork tree) and shrubs are marked with identification tags, and seasonal flower plantings
make this one of the most beautiful winery settings in Sonoma County. The sculpture of Bordeaux,
a wild boar, heralds the entrance to Villa Fiore (House of Flowers - the Ferrari-Carano tasting room
and wine shop). The legend goes that Bordeaux was a nuisance in the Carano vineyards and was enticed
with a corn cob before he met his demise. He know haunts the Carano’s Alexander Valley home.
Be sure and rub his nose for good luck.
Ferrari-Carano wines are available in the Italian/Mediterranean-inspired Villa Fiore Tasting Room
which is open daily from 10-5. Downstairs there is a tastefully decorated second tasting room, the
Enoteca, where reserve and vineyard select wines are poured with comfortable couches and tables for
relaxing. Winery tours are offered daily at 10:00 AM by appointment and four Private Tasting Programs
are available also by appointment (contact the Hospitality Department at 707-433-6700). The
wines are also sold on the website at www.ferrari-carano.com. Although this is a large commercial
operation, visitors are welcomed and tended to with sincerity and warmth. I have never met the
Caranos, but the staff shared so much personal information with me that I left feeling I knew them.
There is obviously a healthy amount of respect among the staff for the Caranos and I left having acquired
quite a bit of admiration for them and good memories of my entire experience.
In July, 2008, Ferrari-Carano purchased the venerable Lazy Creek Vineyards in the Anderson Valley
of Mendocino County. The Philo winery will continue to operate as a separate facility.
