Ferrando Carema Black Label 2017

The Ferrandos only produce their legendary black-label Carema when the vintage allows for it, and it never comprises more than a fifth of their total production. To be labeled as “Etichetta Nera,” the wine must first be selected in the vineyard as worthy; then, it must pass muster post-malolactic-fermentation; and finally, a third verification is performed at the end of the three-year elevage. Raised entirely in a mix of used 250- and 500-liter French barrels, the 2017 “Etichetta Nera” interestingly shows a similar weight to its brother above (it is frequently more voluminous in its youth), yet with a slightly firmer structure and a sense of sappy saturation to the fruit.