The Black Label
2007 Ferrando Carema Etichetta Nera
...My answer is: Carema." - Neal Rosenthal
If you think of the White Label as a Chambolle-Musigny - elegant feminine, eminently graceful, the Black Label is Bonnes Mares.
The Etichetta Nera (black label) is produced only in exceptional vintages. It sees a bit longer barrel aging, some of which is in new oak. In vintages when it’s produced, Ferrando makes only about 3,000 bottles of the black label. Maybe you can see where we're going...
We wrote about Ferrando's 2007 White Label on Wednesday, quoting as we always do Ferrando's U.S. importer Neal Rosenthal who poignantly states, "When I am asked which wine would I choose were I to be restricted to a single one, my answer is: Carema."
If you're receiving this email, you're probably already familiar with that, because today's offer goes out only to those of you who have supported Ferrando's Carema.
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So today we say thanks. Thanks, and, have any interest in the Black Label? We've got a smaller parcel... less supply and considerably more demand and all, so you get first dibs. Bottles of the 2007 Ferrando Carema Etichetta Nera go out today at $56.95 a piece, which is among the lowest you'll find in the nation.
As referenced above, if the White Label is something like a Chambolle, the Black Label is its Bonnes Mares. Yes, there is plenty of finesse, but it is more masculine, denser, stonier, richer and more intense. It rewards the patient.
In 2007, which is particularly vibrant and richer than some of its predecessors - while still chock-full of vibrancy, grace, finesse - the Black Label just has more structure, more detail and more clarity.
The Black Label really tends to separate itself from the White over the longer term, and tales of its longevity are legendary. This is an "Alpine Barolo" built to age; Rosenthal speaks of a 1964 Black Label that hit its apogee in 1998 - at 34 years of age.
Ferrando's Carema has become a cornerstone of the store, and the Black Label is surely one of our most requested bottles. Again, this offer is going out only to those of you who purchased Ferrando in the past. Please give us your ideal order, and we'll do our best.
To order, please reply to this email or call the store at (212) 980-9463.
Joe Salamone
Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits