Ferrari-Carano, Trésor, Sonoma County 2017

Aptly named “Trésor” for “treasure,” this wine is our version of a Cabernet Sauvignon-based Bordeaux-style blend, and it has everything you’d expect — lush and ripe fruit aromas and flavors, concentrated, powerful and firm in style — perfectly proportioned and integrated — but then, you’d expect that, wouldn’t you? This wine checks all the boxes.

Upon entering the winery, the hand-harvested grapes are destemmed and cold soaked for 3 days. Following the cold soak, yeast is added and pump overs commence, one to two times daily, for the duration of primary fermentation. The wine is drained and pressed, then moved to barrels for malolactic fermentation, remaining in individual lots until blending and bottling. The wine completes a total of 20 months barrel aging, allowing for the perfect balance of fruit, tannin and oak.

Tasting Note: Trésor is richly textured, full-bodied and elegant. An intriguing bouquet of caramel, cola, rose hips, cassis and fresh leather introduce the wine. The palate is silky, with plum, blackberry and toasty oak flavors melding seamlessly and lasting well beyond the last sip. This wine is delicious now and will drink well for 7-10 years.

Food Pairing: Trésor complements lamb and beef that is roasted or braised. Pair with beef stew, filet mignon, a maple bacon cheeseburger, grilled flank or sirloin steak. Try Trésor with strong-flavored cheeses like Gorgonzola or sharp Cheddar.