Alysian

Articles About Alysian

Reviewed Wines

2008 Alysian Russian River Selection Pinot Noir

Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy but pleasing array of red fruit aromas including strawberry, cherry and cranberry. Soft and elegant on the palate with bright flavors of Bing cherries, baking spices and cola. A beautiful wine with bright acidity that drives the refreshing finish. Very good. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy but pleasing array of red fruit aromas including strawberry, cherry and cranberry. Soft and elegant on the palate with bright flavors of Bing cherries, baking spices and cola. A beautiful wine with bright acidity that drives the refreshing finish. Very good. Reviewed July 23, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 Alysian Cresta Ridge Vineyard Taurin Block Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.47, 378 cases, $38. Gary Farrell’s 2008 lineup of wines are very impressive. Sourced from a Green Valley vineyard. 100% barrel fermented, 50% MLF in barrel. Aged 10 months in 40% new and 60% one and two-year-old French oak barrels. Sold only through a mailing list. · Light straw color in the glass. Fresh aromas of white stone fruits, butterscotch and buttered toast. Delicious and persistent moderately rich mix of flavors including pears, white peach, green apple, biscuit and maple syrup framed by lively acidity with a subtle note of oak in the background. Uncommon tenacity of flavor for a Chardonnay. Everything is singing in harmony and this wine is just my style. Reviewed November 24, 2010 ARTICLE »

2008 Alysian Starr Ridge Vineyard Clone 95 Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.3% alc., $38. · Very shy aromas of apple, pear and honey. Restrained and lean with demure flavors of Asian pears, white peaches and vanilla caramel. Smooth and silky and easy to cozy up to. Good (+). Reviewed May 15, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 Alysian Floodgate Vineyard Rock Hill Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.42, 233 cases, $55. Dijon clone 777. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 13 months in 45% new and 55% one and two-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Brooding aromas of dark fruits and forest floor. Earthy and savory on the palate with shy but charming flavors of plums and boysenberries that sail smoothly and silky to the refreshing finish. Delicately styled but thoroughly satisfying. Not showing everything now. Much better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle offering brighter fruit aromas and flavors. Plenty of pinotosity for the long haul. Reviewed November 24, 2010 ARTICLE »

2008 Alysian Floodgate Vineyard West Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.46, TA 0.69, 201 cases, $55. This vineyard is located in the Middle Reach and is one of Alysian’s estate properties. The West Block was planted in 1971 and is one of the oldest known plantings of Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley. Yields are less than one ton per acre but Farrell insists that the vineyard be preserved. Martini clone. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Clean and pure aromas of fresh berry tart and plum sauce. Tasty core of black cherry and blackberry flavors with a hint of vanilla. Packed with flavor, yet crisp and light on its feet. Seamless, with a creamy mouth feel and spectacular persistence of perfectly ripe fruit on the refreshing finish. Still solid the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. The whole package. Reviewed January 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2008 Alysian Hallberg Vineyard Crossroads Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.46, TA 0.67, 160 cases, $55. This vineyard is located in a cool region with Goldridge sandy loam soil and was developed 10 years ago by noted Sonoma County viticulturist Kirk Lokka. 50% Dijon clone 777 and 50% Cruz Clone. Aged 11 months in 45% new and 55% one and two-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of black cherries, red berries, spice, sandalwood and forest floor. Generously flavored with mixed berries clothed in fine-grain tannins and framed by balancing acidity, offering a soft, silky and sensual mouthfeel and a finish that is ridiculously long. In one word, terrific. Very good (+). Reviewed July 23, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 Alysian Hallberg Vineyard Crossroads Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 160 cases, pH 3.46, TA 0.67, $55. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Really impressive fruity nose offering vibrant aromas of ripe cherries and strawberries with hints of graham, BBQ and sandalwood. Mid-weight essence of fresh cherries and strawberries with a subtle nutty note in the background from oak. Dry, fine-grain tannins provide support for this pretty wine that exudes charm. Very Russian River Valley in character, a more restrained interpretation of this vineyard source, and a wine of exemplary pinotosity. Reviewed May 15, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 Alysian Starr Ridge Vineyard East Terrace Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 157 cases, pH 3.43, TA 0.69, $55. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Darkly fruited with aromas of graham and spice. Black cherry, black raspberry and strawberry flavors with the slightest hint of oak show up in a moderately rich format with restrained tannins, brisk acidity and a refreshing, slightly brambly finish. The silky soft composure is appealing. Much better the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, when my wife and I finished the bottle over dinner. Reviewed May 15, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 Alysian Rochioli Vineyard Allen-Rochioli Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.44, TA 0.665, 159 cases, $65. Dijon clones 115 and 777 and Pommard 4 from Rochioli Vineyard and Dijon clone 777 from Allen Vineyard. Aged 14 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is a bit awkward, picking up aromatic interest over time in the glass. Scents of dark red cherries and berries with notable oak spice and char. Well-endowed with a sappy core of black cherry, dark red raspberry and dried cranberry fruits brightened with vivid acidity and caressed by soft, dry tannins. The biggest Pinot Noir in the Alysian stable. A Lolita that is still in the awkward stage and only hinting at its potential. Even after 24 hours, an opened bottle is reserved. Very good. Reviewed January 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2008 Alysian Rochioli Vineyard Allen-Rochioli Blocks Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.44, TA 0.665, 159 cases, $65. Dijon clones 115 and 777 and Pommard 4 from Rochioli Vineyard and Dijon clone 777 from Allen Vineyard (farmed by Rochioli). Aged 14 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. With swirling, exotic aromas emerge including scents of wild berries, black cherry tart and wood spice. Rich and bold on the palate with flavors of dark red Pinot fruits that coat the mouth, persisting on the invigorating finish that delivers a zing of acidity. This is a serious, potentially orgasmic wine that needs several years in the cellar. Very good. Reviewed July 23, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 Alysian Rochioli Vineyard River Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.46, 233 cases, $65. Pommard, Dijon 115 and 777. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 14 months in 45% new French oak barrels. · A bright and glorious perfume of Bing cherries, wild strawberries and sandalwood. Delicate and crisp flavors of raspberries, cranberries and cherry skins. Smooth and seamless with soft-hewn tannins and a bright kiss of acidity on the uplifting finish. Quintessential Middle Reach. Reviewed November 24, 2010 ARTICLE »

2008 Alysian Rochioli Vineyard River Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.46, TA 0.675, 233 cases, $65. Dijon clones 115 and 777. Aged in 45% new French oak barrels for 14 months. · Alluring scent of fresh ripe raspberries and plums. Striking intensity on the palate of berry and plum flavors which coat every nook and cranny, persisting on the soft ending. The tannins are supple, the bright acidity provides vim and vigor, and the whole package is beautifully balanced. Approachable now, but will be a cause for celebration a few more years down the road. Very good (+). Reviewed July 23, 2011 ARTICLE »

2007 Alysian Cresta Ridge Vineyard Taurin Block Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.3% alc., 469 cases, $38. Heavy bottle. · Heavenly scented with honey and biscuits. A classy wine with vivid flavors of lemon curd, pear, banana and smoky oak with a slightly creamy texture. Perfect fruit and acid balance. I have been tasting over 50 premium California Chardonnays for an upcoming feature and this wine was one of the top three I tasted. Reviewed August 17, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Alysian Cresta Ridge Vineyard Taurin Block Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.3% alc., $38. Pronounced “ah-liss-ee-uhn,” referring to an endeavor arising from intuitive creativity and artistic resolution. The inaugural Chardonnay from Gary Farrell’s new label. · A very pretty wine with aromas of honey and warm biscuits. Juicy flavors of lemon curd, pear and banana with a sidecar of smoky oak. Perfect fruit and acid balance with a seductively creamy texture. This one has the whole package. Reviewed September 5, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Alysian Cresta Ridge Vineyard Taurin Block Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.1% alc.,pH 3.47, 378 cases, $38. 100% barrel fermented, 50% MLF. Aged 10 months in 40% new and 60% one and two-yearold French oak barrels. · Aromas of grilled pineapple, baked pear, lime, sawdust and hay bale. The flavors echo the nose with added notes of baked apples and lemon zest with a faint woody note. Nice harmony and well-crafted, but the aromatic profile is strange. Not nearly as good as a bottle I had last year that I rated highly. Decent. Reviewed May 15, 2011 ARTICLE »

2007 Alysian Russian River Selection Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 1,524 cases, $48. · Pleasant but delicate aromas of black cherries, strawberries and savory oak. Soil-infused black cherry fruit layered with herbs, loam, cola and oak with a grapefruit note on the finish. Still sporting some dry tannins that need resolution and not as showy as it will be in another year. Reviewed August 17, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Alysian Floodgate Vineyard West Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 444 cases, $55. The packaging makes a statement with a very heavy bottle incorporating a large punt and sporting a classy label. · Perfumed with violets, Bing cherries and sandalwood. Opulent and layered, ephemeral yet gutsy. Cherries jubilee with touches of raspberries, vanilla and citrus. Impeccably balanced t n’ a for age ability. An endless echo of scent and fruit on the finish. This is a heart throb and a 2009 All-American for me. Reviewed August 17, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Alysian Hallberg Vineyard Crossroads Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.41, 230 cases, $55. Hallberg Vineyard is located in the Green Valley AVA. This vineyard was developed in 2000 by Kirk Lokka, a skilled viticulturist. Dijon clones 777 and 828. 100% destemmed. Aged 14 months in 45% new French oak barrels. · Shy dark stone fruit aromas emerge slowly in the glass offset by scents of oak and toasted brioche. With patient swirling, a tasty array of earth-infused blackberry and plum fruit emerges backed by a hint of lemon zest most evident on the crisp finish. A big-boned wine balanced nicely by lively acidity and very silky in the mouth. Tasted much better 8 hours later from a previously opened and recorked bottle. Reviewed June 8, 2010 ARTICLE »

2007 Alysian Starr Ridge Vineyard East Terrace Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.44, 231 cases, $55. This vineyard is owned and farmed by Gary and Debbie Farrell and consists of 23 acres planted to Dijon and Pommard clones. This wine is composed of Dijon 115 and Pommard 4 clones. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 14 months in 45% new French oak barrels. · Deeply colored. Beautiful black cherry fruit on the nose with Provencal herbs in the background. Vivid black cherry, raspberry and pomegranate flavors with a hint of iodine. A lively lift of acidity sparks the refreshing finish. Good. Reviewed June 8, 2010 ARTICLE »

2007 Alysian Rochioli Vineyard Allen-Rochioli Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.40, 171 cases, $65. Pommard 4 clone from Rochioli Vineyard and Allen Vineyard (farmed by Rochioli). 100% de-stemmed. Aged 14 months in 45% new French oak barrels. · Savory aromas of green herbs and cigar box with restrained fruit scents. Moderately rich but very tight, opening a little over time in the glass. Linear fruit flavors of cherries, berries and plums with a slight oak underpinning and a persistent citrus tang on the finish. I expect significantly more will be forthcoming from this wine with time in the bottle. Good. Reviewed June 8, 2010 ARTICLE »

2007 Alysian Rochioli Vineyard Allen-Rochioli Blocks Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $65. · Welcoming perfume of dark Pinot fruits with hints of mocha and toasty oak. Rich and vivid array of ripe, sweet red and black fruits with an undertone of earth, savory herbs and dark chocolate, nicely framed by fine-grain tannins. This beauty possesses the Rochioli fruit spirit in a more extracted style atypical for a Gary Farrell Pinot. Very good. Reviewed November 24, 2010 ARTICLE »