2011 Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.62, 6,062 cases, $45. Released October 2013. A blend of 8 vineyards in the Russian River Valley. 100% destemmed, 5-day cold soak, aged 8 months in 40% new French oak barrels. The wine was racked and returned just once out of barrel before final blending and bottling. · Moderately light reddish purple hue in the glass. Highly aromatic, with bright scents of Bing cherries, baking spice, sassafras and oak. Mid weight flavors of dark cherries are framed by oak in a crisp, juicy style with pleasing acidity. Easy to drink, and food friendly, although showing a little more cloak of oak than I like. Score: 88. Reviewed March 29, 2014

Winery: Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Wines