One of the storied properties in the Russian River Valley. Gary Farrell focuses on high quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir by sourcing from some of the region’s great vineyards. Founder of his namesake winery, Gary Farrell 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 and has been winemaker at Gary Farrell since 2012.
A former UC Davis PhD candidate in Chemistry, Theresa has crafted some beautiful new wines for Gary Farrell. Look to her 2017 Gary Farrrell ‘Hallberg Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 92) which has great poise and range. I loved the 2017 Gary Farrrell ‘Toboni Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 92) which his dense, and has great freshness and texture. Learn more about these great wines at https://www.garyfarrellwinery.com Here are the great new wines by Gary Farrell.
2017 Gary Farrell ‘Hallberg Vineyard Dijon Clones’ Pinot Noir- This unique bottling is sourced from the Hallberg Vineyard in the Russian River Valley AVA and owned by Brice Jones. Lovely damp earth tones combine with wild blackberry cobbler and hints of blood orange rind on the nose. The palate has good freshness and shows round red fruits that mingle with minerals, Mandarin orange zest and shades of wild mushroom. The length and texture is really good, as this beautiful wine has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 92
2017 Gary Farrell ‘Hallberg Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The Hallberg Vineyard is a dry-farmed site ocated in the Russian River Valley AVA. Layers of kumquat zest and red currants are woven together with earthy undertones on the bouquet. The sense of mouthfeel is really nice, as bright orange zest and pomegranate seed flavors combine with minerals and peat moss tones on the palate. The length and richness of the wine really impress, as this excellent effort has at least another decade ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 92
2017 Gary Farrell ‘Toboni Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Toboni Vineyard’ is located in the Russian River AVA and has a strong maritime influence, as the site was planted in 2001 to clones 115, 667, 777 and Pommard, all on 101-14 rootstock. The freshness and texture is great, as cola, Satsuma orange rind and cranberry flavors are woven together with sassafras and baking spices. With great length and mouthfeel, this outstanding Pinot Noir will cellar well for the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2020-2033- 92