Where do I start with our visit to @garyfarrellwinery The wine, the views, and the tasting room were all outstanding. Walking in we were greeted with their 2017 Russian River Selection Chardonnay [ lemon + grapefruit + marzipan ] Heading into the tasting room, views of the valley shined in bright through the windowed back wall.
We were first seated at a table with the perfect photo setup, and poured a second glass of their 2016 Olivet Lane Vineyard Chardonnay [ lemon + baked cookies + crisp apple ] We sat sipping our crisp glasses of wine on their deep royal blue tufted velvet couch, every instagramers dream!
We were then taken to a table right by the window so we could enjoy the warm sunshine and views upclose. The first red pour was their 2016 Fort Ross Vineyard Pinot Noir [ plum + tobacco + earth ] Our host brought us our own personal plates with four cheeses and crackers. Then we were given a side by side of their 2017 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir [ dark fruit + tobacco leaf + cedar ] and 2016 Rochioli Vineyard Pinot Noir [ bright red fruit + tea + rose ]
To end our time at the winery, Brian grabbed us and took us through their winemaking room. While we were walking through he poured us one last taste of their 2017 Hallberg Vineyard Dijon Clones Pinot Noir [ ripe strawberry + leather + mushroom ]
I can’t say thank you enough for the hospitality and amazing experience here! Cannot wait to come back and visit again.
Gary Farrell Chardonnay Russian River Valley, ‘Selection’ 2018
A fun and delicious Chardonnay that is sourced from grapes coming from the winery’s top vineyard sources, this wine is aged for 8 months in 30% new French oak barrels. A bouquet of baked lemon loaf, white grapefruit and fresh Thai spices are present on the nose. On first sip, a nuttiness of Marcona almonds and lemon curd dominate but give way to secondary characteristics of spiced apricot and honeydew melon.
GARY FARRELL Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Olivet Lane Vineyard 2018
The Olivet Lane Vineyard was planted in 1975 that typically sees warm summer days and cool nights. It is aged for 9 months in 35% new French oak barrels and sports a tantalizing nose of caramelized pineapple, fresh yellow peach, cream fondant, Meyer lemon, Country Rose with just a touch of reductiveness. A multi-layered palate of succulent apricot, lime zest, brioche and cinnamon form the core of the wine which ends in medium high acidity and a full, delicious finish.
GARY FARRELL Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, ‘Selection’ 2018
The most produced of all of Gary Farrel’s wines, this tasty and easy drinking Pinot Noir is sourced from some of the region’s top vineyards. The wine is aged for 10 months in 35% new French oak barrels. A juicy nose of bright red Bing cherry, ripe strawberry, fresh violet petals, baking chocolate and cinnamon stick flow from the glass. Medium acidity, and mellow tannins form the structure of the wine, with fruits of red sour cherry, ripe red plum and sweet baking spices combine with savory notes of Castelvetrano olive and a touch of white pepper.
GARY FARRELL Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Martaella Vineyard 2017
A wine coming from the Martaella Vineyard with vines planted in 2005, the vines see fog intrusions which create variable temperatures of up to 40 degrees during the day. It is aged for 15 months in 40% new French oak barrels. Aromas of black cherry, fresh pumpkin seeds, gingersnap cookies and Carnation petals. The palate is more savory than the fruit-forward nose, sporting solid tannins and flavors of wild blueberry, orange peel, sweet ground cloves and just a smidgeon of new leather.
GARY FARRELL Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Hallberg Vineyard 2017
Coming from the Hallberg Vineyard which enjoys daytime breezes and refreshing cooler nighttime temperatures, this wine is aged 15 months in 40% new French oak barrels. The nose is showing aromas of black cherry, boysenberry, brown butter, Spruce tree and ground white pepper. High acid combine with medium tannins and a full-fruit profile of tart black cherry, blueberry jam, tobacco leaf and baked pie crust to create a gorgeous Pinot Noir that needs a year or two more in the bottle to fully show its potential.
GARY FARRELL Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Gap’s Crown Vineyard 2017
Coming from one of the most sought after vineyards in all of Sonoma County, the vines were first planted in the Gap’s Crown Vineyard in 2002. Spending 15 months in 40% new French oak barrels, this rich, layered, complex and concentrated Pinot Noir displays aromas of black cherry, agave, raspberry lemonade, cinnamon graham cracker and Schezawan red pepper. The nose is very fruit forward whereas the palate shows more savory characteristics of tart red cranberry, herb de provence, dried brown mushroom, and sweet baking spices. Acid is medium plus which is perfectly integrated with the medium tannin profile. This is a Pinot Noir that you want to sit and enjoy over a few hours because there is so much to experience. Buy six bottles and enjoy one a year for the next 6 years.
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