2003 Ferrari-Carano's PreVail Back Forty - Alexander Valley [ $110 ]

Affectionately called Back Forty, the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes for this wine are grown on low-yielding vines on a 40 acre block at the back side of Ferrari-Carano’s RockRise Mountain in Alexander Valley. The vineyard sits at 1100-foot elevation on a plateau that traps the night air, naturally cooling the grapes and extending their hang time. Expressive dark berry, crème de cassis and vanilla aromas marry perfectly with opulent fruit and sweet, caramelized oak flavors, creating a rich and dense mid-palate followed by a finish of superb length.