One of the great Russian River Valley wineries, Gary Farrell focuses on high quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir by sourcing from some of the regions great vineyards. Founder of his namesake winery, Gary made his first wine under the Gary Farrell label in 1982 and was one of the first highly successful wineries to settle in the Russian River Valley. Building a state of the art facility in 2000, Gary eventually sold his winery in 2004 following a series of highly successful vintages and wines. Currently at the helm is Theresa Heredia who has a long winemaking history, and has previously had stints at Napa’s Joseph Phelps Vineyards and Freestone Vineyards on the Sonoma Coast. She even worked for Domaine de Montille in Burgundy learning the art of crafting Pinot Noir.
A former UC Davis PhD candidate in Chemistry, Theresa has crafted some beautiful new wines for Gary Farrell. Look to her 2015 Gary Farrell ‘Olivet Lane’ Chardonnay (WWB, 92) which has wonderful richness and range. This wine is seriously good now but will cellar well for another decade. I absolutely loved her new 2015 Gary Farrell ‘Ritche Vineyard’ Chardonnay (WWB, 93) which has an incredible mouthfeel and reveals rich layers and a long finish. Nearly as good was the 2015 Gary Farrell ‘Bacigalupi Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 92) which is a rich and terroir driven wine that is marvelous now but will continue to evolve over the next decade. Learn more about these great wines at https://www.garyfarrellwinery.com Here are the great new wines by Gary Farrell.
2015 Gary Farrell ‘Olivet Lane’ Chardonnay- The Olivet Lane Vineyard is named after mature olive trees lining the entrance, and features heritage plantings of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This begins with aromas of vanilla creme brulee, roasted hazelnut and suggestions of baking spices. The palate has a wonderful rich mouthfeel with lemon zest and creme brûlée flavors mingling beautifully in the glass. Rich and mineral driven;, this is an outstanding effort by Gary Farrell. Drink 2018-2026- 92
2015 Gary Farrell ‘Ritchie Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Kent Ritchie oversees this famed namesake vineyard located in the heart of the Russian River. The wine begins with lemon oil, brioche and heavy whipping cream. The palate shows a wonderfully plush mouthfeel with Meyer lemon cream, Pazazz apple, and butterscotch. Layered and downright delicious, this will cellar well over the next decade or more. Drink 2018-2028- 93
2015 Gary Farrell ‘Bacigalupi Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This historic 121 acre vineyard was planted in n 1956 by Charles and Helen Bacigalupi on Westside Road, a few miles south of the town of Healdsburg. The wine starts off with sassafras, red currant and red cherry candy. The palate has a wonderful astringency and terroir, showing red currant, cran-orange and guava flavors that connect with the gorgeous minerality. Drink 2018-2028- 92
2015 Gary Farrell ‘Rochioli-Allen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This translucent colored Pinot Noir shows lifted aromas of red cherry, rose petal, red currant and guava on the nose. The palate shows good richness and tension, with a lighter salinity. Red currant, red cherry and guava flavors mingle in the glass. Drink 2018-2024- 91
2015 Gary Farrell ‘Hallberg Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Hallberg Vineyard’ Pinot Noir begins with a bouquet of orange zest, red currant jelly and suggestions of teaberry. The palate shows a really nice astringency with good weight and tension. Red currant, red cherry and guava with a touch of blood orange flavors all come together nicely. Drink 2018-2026- 91