Farella ALTA 2018

Farella ALTA 2018 is a remarkable red wine from Farella Winery, located in the Coombsville region of Napa Valley, California. Crafted by winemaker Tom Farella, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec offers an exquisite tasting experience, combining the best of Bordeaux-style winemaking with the unique characteristics of the Napa Valley terroir.

The wine has a deep and inviting color, reflecting its rich composition. Upon inspection, the Farella ALTA 2018 presents a brilliant ruby hue, indicative of its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend. This vivid color hints at the wine’s depth and complexity, setting the stage for a sensory experience.

The aromas of Farella ALTA 2018 are a delightful mix of fruit, herbs, and spices. On the nose, the wine reveals a captivating bouquet of mulberries, dried herbs, cedar, and lavender. These scents are complemented by subtle hints of spice, which add complexity to the aromatic profile. Some tasting notes also describe a lovely mix of cold cast iron, charcoal, and warm earth, contributing to the wine’s unique character. The bouquet serves as a precursor to the layered flavors that follow.

Upon tasting, Farella ALTA 2018 offers a medium-to-full body with fine tannins and fresh acidity. The wine delivers a harmonious blend of flavors, where the fruit notes of cassis, plum reduction, and blackberry are interwoven with earthy undertones and a touch of spice. The combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec creates a nuanced flavor profile that is both complex and balanced.

The wine has a fleshy texture, with a fruity and crunchy character that adds depth to the tasting experience. The flavors are further enriched by layers of warm cassis, plum, violet, and applewood, creating a multi-dimensional palate. The wine’s acidity and tannin structure ensure a smooth and well-rounded finish, leaving a lasting impression.

Farella ALTA 2018 has a smooth and elegant mouthfeel. The wine’s entry is smooth, picking up weight as it rests on the tongue. The combination of blackberry and earthy flavors dance across the palate before finishing in a balanced manner. The wine’s texture is enhanced by its 30-month aging process, which contributes to its velvety feel and refined character.

Farella ALTA 2018 is crafted using a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec, reflecting the winemaker’s belief that blending adds complexity to the resulting wine. The grapes were harvested early in the morning and brought into the winery cold. The three varieties were destemmed and fully crushed into an open-top fermenter. The wine was punched down until pressed off the skins after 24 days and then aged in Taransaud barrels for 30 months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. This meticulous process ensures a wine of exceptional quality.

The vintage of 2018 yielded an elegant expression of the Farella park winery. The blend consists of 65.55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32.78% Merlot, and 1.67% Malbec, creating a balanced and harmonious wine. The use of open-top stainless steel fermentation and 50% new Taransaud barrels adds to the wine’s complexity and depth.

Farella ALTA 2018 has received praise from critics for its balance, complexity, and elegant expression. The wine’s layered flavors, rich aromas, and smooth texture have earned it high acclaim, solidifying its status as a standout offering from Farella Winery. The critical recognition highlights the skill and artistry of winemaker Tom Farella, showcasing the excellence of Farella wine.

In conclusion, Farella ALTA 2018 is an exceptional red wine that embodies the best of Napa Valley winemaking. The wine’s vibrant color, captivating aroma, and complex flavor profile make it a delightful choice for wine enthusiasts. The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec creates a harmonious and balanced wine, reflecting the artistry of winemaker Tom Farella. Farella wine is a testament to the winery’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship, offering a memorable experience for all who enjoy it.