Ferrando, Carema Etichetta Nera, 2008

The Etichetta Nera (black label) is Ferrando's legendary top Carema, bottled only in the finest vintages from the family's best parcels, only about 3,000 bottles when it's made. Raised in smaller French oak, it's the richer, denser, more ageworthy of the two Caremas, famous for showing gorgeously at 20, 25, even 30 years. The 2008 was a classic, cooler vintage that gave structured, fragrant wines, exactly the profile that rewards the Nera's long aging curve. It's now mature but has plenty of life ahead.