Gary Farrell Winery
Russian River Selection Pinot Noir 2017
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 de-stemmed, 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 toast François Frères, Ana Selection, Remond and Tonnellerie O) for 10 months of barrel aging on primary lees.
VINTAGE
Harvest began on August 21st, the day of the total eclipse, 11 days later than the year before, so hang-time was in keeping with historical averages, but it commenced in a flash. Seven percent of grapes came in the first week, followed by 53% the second week during a severe heat wave. The remainder of harvest after Labor Day seemed to steady a bit as the weather cooled down slightly. The final fruit of the season came in on the last day of summer and the last day of sorting was September 22nd. We find it curious that we started on the day of the total eclipse and wrapped up with our last day of sorting on the Autumn Equinox. Planning ahead and pre-scheduling picks before the heat wave, in addition to overnight refrigeration and overall team efficiency smoothed over a lot of this rapid harvest’s bumps. Thanks to our grower partners and our own hard work, the flavor and ripeness of the wines is excellent. To our pleasant surprise, ~95% of the grapes came in on target, between 22-24.5 Brix, which is miraculous given the extreme conditions. This is definitely an indication of our overwhelming dedication to quality, but it is also a great reward for the hard work and long hours that went into making the 2017 vintage wines.
TASTING NOTE
This elegant Pinot Noir opens with alluring aromas of Bing cherry, pomegranate, boysenberry syrup and preserved raspberries. Flavors of Cremini mushrooms and cherry cola with hints of white pepper and clove unfold on the palate. The supple tannins develop into a soft, silky finish complimented with abundant acidity on the finish.
Color
Red
Grape Varieties
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Russian River Valley, California
Alcohol
13.7%
Suggested Retail Price
$45
Reviews
"Outstanding showcase of the appellation"
Wine Enthusiast (Editor's Choice ) - January 16, 2020 "This is an outstanding showcase of the appellation, sourced from such stellar sties as Hallberg, Rochioli and Martaella. Fragrant, fruity and herbal, with an exotically spicy undercurrent, it shows a length of fresh pomegranate, raspberry and white pepper all laced by crisp acidity."
More on Gary Farrell Winery Russian River Selection Pinot Noir 2017
Winemaker Theresa Heredia on the 2017 Russian River Selection Pinot Noir
April 13, 2020 - Gary Farrell winemaker Theresa Heredia gives her tasting notes on the 2017 Russian River Selection Pinot Noir.
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir
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