2011 Farella Cabernet Sauvignon

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$65 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

Frank Farella founded the winery that bears his name 30 years ago, but it is his son, Tom, winemaker since 1991 who drives the business today.  Farella is exactly the kind of winery we love to represent at Carpe Vino.  Small, family owned.  Just 1,800 total case production annually from a 26-acre vineyard in the Napa Valley’s Coombsville AVA.

The vineyard is sustainably farmed though not organically certified (as with many small operations, the cost of securing the piece of paper is oppressive).  Tom earned a double enology/viticulture degree from U.C. Davis in 1983, and then learned the business not at his father’s knee, but over more than five years at top wineries in California, Oregon and France.  This guy has a magical combination of innate curiosity, an incredible work ethic and the solid base of a family-owned operation.

And all of this is reflected in this month’s selection from Farella.

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Rich, robust mouthfeel with ample yet fairly soft tannins.  Aromas and flavors of Kalamata olives, strawberry/cassis fruit, blackberry, deep, smoky spice and a hint of licorice.  Long, supple finish for a wine of this structure.”

Blend:  95% cabernet sauvignon; 5% merlot

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