1996 Tremonte Syrah Varietal/Style: Syrah Origin: Alexander Valley, CA Vintage: 1996 Winemaker: George Bursick Rating: 13/20 Retail Price: $28

Tasting Notes: This highly extracted Syrah conjures thoughts of blueberries and cherry cola. Lighter in body than you would expect from such a deep ruby wine, it manages to remain lively in the mouth, thanks to good acidity and a fruit-forward style. Although its dry finish falls off a bit too quickly for our taste, this is undeniably a well-made wine from one of Sonoma County's most heralded producers. (Date tasted 11/5/00)

1997 Tremonte Sangiovese
Varietal/Style: Sangiovese
Origin: Alexander Valley, CA
Vintage: 1997
Winemaker: George Bursick
Rating: 12/20
Retail Price: $28

Tasting Notes: Made from the fruit of three exceptional Alexander Valley vineyards, this limited release from one of America's most respected high-end producers clearly gets its inspiration from its American origin rather than its Italian roots. Rich ruby in color and intense in raspberry and strawberry flavor, its medium body and light finish make for a style unlike any other Sangiovese we know. (Date tasted 08/26/00)

Profile: The winery that was built by the casino industry, Ferrari Carano's unusual history began in 1981 when Don and Rhonda Carano, owners of Reno's Eldorado Hotel and Casino decided to turn their winemaking hobby into liquid gold. Almost twenty years later, the winery is thriving under the control of original winemaker George Bursick. In addition to producing its signature Chardonnays, the winery now makes a full line of wines, including a limited-release, vineyard-designate line known as the Tremonte wines.

Address:
8761 Dry Creek Rd.
City: Healdsburg, CA
Phone: 70-433-6700
Web site: www.ferraricarano.com
E-mail: fcwinery@wco.com