Gary Farrell Winery
Russian River Selection Pinot Noir 2016
Russian River Valley, California
The Russian River Selection bottlings are quintessential Russian River Valley wines blended from some of the region’s top vineyards, taking advantage of varied climates and unique site characteristics. Undoubtedly showcasing a beautiful expression of the varietal and of the appellation’s unique terroir, this Pinot Noir blend captures the richness, purity and elegance that are Gary Farrell Winery’s trademarks.
VINEYARD
Our Russian River Selection bottlings are quintessential Russian River Valley wines blended from some of the region’s top vineyards, taking advantage of varied climates and unique site characteristics. The Hop Kiln, Rochioli and Bacigalupi vineyards are located in the Middle Reach subdivision, where close proximity to the river awards foggy mornings, warm and sunny days, and cool nights – the perfect balance that characterizes the Russian River Valley. The Toboni and Nonella vineyards are located in the Santa Rosa Plain, a distinctly cooler and foggier sub region, and the Hallberg and Dutton sites within the Green Valley sub-appellation exhibit even more extreme and cooler conditions. A beautiful expression of the varietal and of the appellation’s unique terroir, this Pinot Noir blend captures the richness, purity and elegance that are Gary Farrell Winery’s trademarks.
WINEMAKING
Grapes were harvested in the cool morning hours then brought to the winery. After a careful hand sorting, some of the grapes were gently destemmed, then transferred to small, open-top tanks while a small percentage of the fruit was added later as whole clusters. The juice for each tank was chilled to 45°F and allowed to cold soak for 4-7 days before fermentation was started. During fermentation, the cap was gently punched down 2-3 times per day. After fermentation, the new wine and its solids were allowed to sit in tank for 7-10 days of extended maceration, a period during which the tannins soften and the primary fermentation esters develop more complexity. The wine was then gently pressed off the skins and seeds, inoculated for malolactic fermentation and racked into 35% new French oak barrels (light and medium toast François Frères, Ana Selection, Remond and Tonnellerie O) for 10 months of barrel aging on primary lees.
VINTAGE
The 2016 vintage was an exceptional year for Russian River Valley wines. Harvest seems to start early every year now in Sonoma County, and this season was no exception. Much needed winter rains alleviated some of the drought pressure and vine development was able to begin early. This, coupled with a remarkably slow and steady ripening season, gave the grapes plenty of time to develop perfect balance, structure, and an amazing complexity of flavors. The 2016 Pinot Noir crop was medium in size, while the quality and overall integrity of the fruit was among the best that we’ve ever seen at the winery. Cooler than average daytime highs and cold nights gave us the opportunity to pick the fruit exactly when it was ready, giving us wines that have tremendous concentration, finesse, and beautiful natural acidity. We were fortunate to experience another spectacular vintage in the Russian River Valley, and are excited to see how the wines evolve as they age in our barrel cellar.
TASTING NOTE
Captivating aromas of fresh Bing cherries, raspberry preserves, and dried strawberries quickly emerge from the glass. A second glance reveals elements of cola, green tea, and traces of white pepper and nutmeg. A backdrop of forest floor and wild mushrooms lend complexity and weight to the generous red fruit flavors and classic Russian River Valley finesse. The palate is decidedly textural, silky, and perfectly balanced with abundant acidity, purity, and length.
Color
Red
Grape Varieties
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Russian River Valley, California
Alcohol
13.9%
Suggested Retail Price
$45
Reviews
"Slate and spice accents"
Wine Spectator - January 16, 2020 “Minerally, with focused and pure-tasting cherry, plum and currant flavors that are backed by zesty acidity. Slate and spice accents show on the finish.”
"Delicate red berry and earth layers"
Wine Advocate (90+) - January 16, 2020 “...An earthy nose of garrigue, mossy bark and underbrush with a core of craberries and red currants plus a waft of lavender. Light to medium bodied with a chewy frame and crisp line of freshness, this delicate red berry and earth layers provide great expression with impressive length.”
"Balance between fruit and forest"
Wine Enthusiast - January 16, 2020 “From a blend of iconic sites, like Rochioli, Hallberg and Martaella, this opens with thick, dense and concentrated tones of dried cherry and cola before unleashing a wealth of white pepper and black tea.It finds a balance between the fruit and forest on the mid-palate,finishing in silky brilliance.”
"Warmth and a complex, lingering finish"
James Suckling - January 16, 2020 “A stunning Russian River Valley pinot noir that’s earthy and smoky with beet and herbal notes. This is ripe yet beautifully balanced. The precisely crafted tannin structure gives the wine positive warmth and a complex, lingering finish.”
More on Gary Farrell Winery Russian River Selection Pinot Noir 2016
Exclusive: VINTUS Is Chosen to Handle Gary Farrell Portfolio in the U.S. Market
December 30, 2019 - Shankens New Daily editorial director David Fleming breaks the news that VINTUS is now handling the Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery's Portfolio in the U.S. Market. Gary Farrell has been a pioneer in the…
Gary Farrell Winery Partners with VINTUS
December 30, 2019 - Food & Beverage Magazine reports that the legendary Gary Farrell Winery has partnered with VINTUS for it's U.S. market distribution. The feature details that Gary Farrell became one of the most acclaimed…
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley, California
Named for its previous owners, the 100-acre Hallberg Vineyard is today owned and managed by wine industry veterans including vineyard manager Kirk Lokka. Nestled in the Green Valley sub-appellation, the site enjoys refreshing daytime breezes and cool nighttime temperatures. The strong marine influence means less severe daily temperature shifts so the vines never completely shut down, producing fruit with deep, dark color, great structure, silky tannins, darker fruit flavors and earthy characteristics. This blend is a composition of many of the best blocks on this cool, foggy vineyard site, which include clones 667, 777, 828, Pommard and a mysterious “suitcase” selection.
Russian River Selection Chardonnay
Russian River Valley, California
The Russian River Selection bottlings are quintessential Russian River Valley wines blended from some of the winery’s top vineyard sources. They are beautiful expressions of their varietal type and of the appellation’s unique terroir, each blend capturing the richness, purity and elegance that are Gary Farrell Winery’s trademarks. This layered and complex Chardonnay brings together fruit from several of our favorite Russian River Valley vineyard sites.
Olivet Lane Chardonnay
Russian River Valley, California
Pellegrini’s Olivet Lane Vineyard was planted in 1975 to Wente selection on AXR rootstock. The vineyard sits on 65 acres of sloping bench land in the Santa Rosa Plain, in between the warmer Westside Road region and the cooler Green Valley,where warm summer days are moderated by cool breezes and chilly evening temperatures. The combination of low temperatures, regular fog intrusion and well drained loam, clay soils create an excellent environment for growing Chardonnay that develop cool-climate characteristics and impeccable acid at fairly low sugars.The wines from this vineyard simultaneously express power and finesse, and they do so with tremendous balance.