I had the great pleasure recently of sitting down with reps from the Ferrari-Carano winery to taste their wonderful portfolio in preparation for two upcoming wine events. The lineup of wines they offer is deep and diverse, including some really unique bottles like the Siena Red Blend.

Here's a look at five of the wines we tasted and some menu pairings for an upcoming wine dinner:

1. 2012 Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc

This 100% Sauvignon Blanc is bursting bursting with luscious fruit flavors of pineapple, peach, and lemon intertwined the the right touch of grass. A blend of French Oak and stainless steel fermentation leads warm spice notes and a creamy mouth feel.

Paired with Grilled Shrimp Skewers

2. 2011 Ferrari Carano Chardonnay $20

Meticulously hand crafted from select vineyards, blending over 65 small, individually barrel fermented lots. Beautifully complex with juicy apple and ripe pear with hints of carmelized citrus, vanilla and nutmeg on the finish

Paired with Pear and Goat Cheese Salad

3. 2009 Lazy Creek Vineyards Pinot Noir $40

This is one of the smallest and oldest wineries in Anderson Valley, producing some of the most sought after Pinot Noir grapes in the entire region. Bright berries present on the front palate and dance in the mouth leading to a long finish

Paired with Pomegranate Seared Salmon

4. 2010 Ferrari Carano Siena Red Blend $22

A medium bodied Sangiovese based blend from the burnt organge soils of Sonoma County. Bursting with red cherry, raspberry and cinnamon spice flavors complemented by layers of caramel and butterscotch from the barrel fermentation.

Paired with Beef Cheek and Ricotta with a Rustic Chunky Tomato Sauce

5. 2010 Ferrari Carano Cabernet $35

Rich black cherry and blueberry fruit mingling with hints of mocha, anise, vanilla bean and caramel from the 18 months in French Oak barrels. This wine displays impressive character and depth and could easily be priced at $50. Great value!

Paired with Lamb Shepherd's Pie

There are still some seats open for tomorrow (Thursday) nights Wine Academy event featuring Ferrari-Carano wines. Melissa Rush from Ferrari-Carano will be the guest host for the event, which is at Avalon Squaw Creek at 7pm.

You can make reservations by logging on to www.myvalleyvino.com