Gary Farrell Wines Continues a Consistent Record of Excellence
Since winemaker Theresa Heredia took over the helm at Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery in 2012, the wines
have gone from very good to outstanding. With adept corporate management by owners The Vincraft Group,
the winery has gradually expanded its vineyard sources, and now offers vineyard-designated Pinot Noir and
Chardonnay wines from the Santa Maria Valley, the Russian River Valley, the Sonoma Valley, the Petaluma
Gap and the Fort Ross-Seaview AVAs. There are very few California producers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
that can lay claim to such an extensive array of cherished wine grape sources that include Rochioli, Allen,
Ritchie, Gap’s Crown, Bien Nacido, Olivet Lane, Bacigalupi, Hallberg, Martaella, Toboni, Fort Ross and Durell
vineyards.
Theresa so impressed me with her accomplishments that I chose Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery as my “2016
Winery of the Year.” Read my extensive coverage of the winery in late 2016 at www.princeofpinot.com/article/
1898/. Nothing has changed to alter my opinion, and, in fact, the wines have even been better in the last two
(2015 and 2016) vintages.
Join the winery’s mailing list at www.garyfarrellwinery.com. Or, if you don’t believe my accolades, arrange a
visit to the remodeled Gary Farrell Tasting Room and taste the wines for yourself. The one feature of the wines
that will stand out is the bright acidity, giving the wines alluring vibrancy and juiciness.
2016 Gary Farrell Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
13.3% alc., pH 3.38, TA 0.69, 719
cases, $70. Released September 2018. The winery has sourced fruit from this vineyard for more than 20 years,
and is one of the fortunate few to source some of the Pommard selection from the legendary Q Block, the most
prestigious Pinot Noir block on this famous site. 20% whole cluster added to the fermentation tank. 4-day cold
soak, regular punch downs and an occasional pump-over. 12-days of extended maceration, followed by 15
months of aging in French oak barrels, 40% new.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Welcoming aromas
of Bing cherry, baking spices, mushrooms on the grill and fertile earth. Light to mid weight flavors of cherry and
dark red berry with a touch of spice and nutty oak. Very charming, with an extremely long, sweet and juicy
finish.
Score: 93
2016 Gary Farrell Hallberg Vineyard-Dijon Clones Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.7% alc.,
pH 3.39, TA 0.67, 937 cases, $60. Released September 18, 2018. Clones 667 and 777. A small
percentage of whole cluster. 4 to 7-day cold soak, 7-10 days post fermentation extended
maceration, and aging for 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new.
·
Moderately dark garnet color
in the glass. Shy aromas of grilled dark fruits, sweet pipe smoke and wet earth. A full-bodied, big
gulp of purple and black fruits, yet the wine is in balance without heaviness or flabbiness. the
appealing texture is satiny and the intense boysenberry-themed finish really satisfies. I find that the
dark color and rich fruit is typical for this vineyard. Theresa has been able to tame the fruit explosion as well as
conceal the oak in the background. This is a terroir-driven wine that gives n exact expression of site.
Score: 94
2016 Gary Farrell Toboni Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.34, TA 0.71, 915
cases, $55. Released September 18, 2018. The Toboni Oakwild Ranch Vineyard is located in the Santa Rosa
Plain, just south of the winery. Clones 115, 667, 777 and Pommard planted in 2001. A small percentage of
whole cluster. 4 to 7-day cold soak, 7 to 10-day extended maceration, and aging for 10 months in French oak
barrels, 40% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Revealing perfume of cherry syrup, pomegranate, cola
and a hint of pear. Intensely fruity on the mid palate and driving, succulent finish, featuring black cherry and
blackberry fruit flavors. Some tannins show up on the mildly drying finish.
Score: 92
2016 Gary Farrell Fort Ross Vineyard Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.72, 565 cases, $75.
Release October 2018. Vineyard is located on a cool
coastal ridge at 1200-1700 feet elevation and is one of the
closest vineyards to the California coastline. Dijon clone 777
and Calera selection. 777 grapes de-stemmed, while the
Calera grapes were delivered to tank with 50% whole
cluster. 5-day cold soak, 13-day post fermentation extended
maceration, and aging for 15 months in French oak barrels, 40% new.
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Reaching aromas of dark red
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Reaching aromas of dark red
cherry and berry, forest floor and tobacco. Strikingly flavorful on entry,
featuring middleweight black cherry, black raspberry and spice flavors
with a subtle savory earthy note. This wine flows across the palate like
greased lightning, ending on a long cherry high note. Spirited, but ingratiating acidity adds freshness and
vitality. Ready for prime time now.
Score: 95
2016 Gary Farrell Rochioli Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
13.4% alc., pH 3.30, TA
0.67, 555 cases, $65. Released September 2018. This release brings together three blocks planted
in 1974, 1995 and 2000, where some of the vines come from cuttings taken from the original mother
block planted in 1968. Harvest Brix 22.5º. Gentle whole cluster pressed and fermented and aged 9
months on the primary lees in 35% new and 65% one to three-year-old neutral French oak barrels
and 500-liter French oak puncheons.
·
Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Complex and
exotic nose offering scents of lemon oil, alfalfa, crème brûlée and fragrant plants. A very indulgent
and flavorful style, offering tastes of lemon creme, pineapple, applesauce and tropical fruits. The richness on
the palate is balanced by bright acidity, making for an extremely special drinking experience.
Score: 96
2016 Gary Farrell Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
13.8% alc., pH 3.34, TA 0.62, 326
cases, $55. Released September 2018. The oldest vines
that make up the original historic plantings are one of the
main components of this Chardonnay blend. Harvest Brix
22.5º. Gentle whole cluster pressed and aged 9 months on
the primary lees in a combination of 35% new and 65% one
to three-year-old neutral French oak barrels and 500-liter oak
puncheons.
·
Light golden yellow color with the slightest lime green tone
in the glass. Outrageous aromatic explosion of cut apple, poached
pear, lemon butter, citrus glee and righteous oak. Glorious flavors of
yellow apple, lemon, pear and a hint of pineapple in a suave style that
is like drinking mothers milk. This is a wine of impeccable balance that
is highly refreshing, playing on Chardonnay’s best features. Still extraordinary when re-tasted two and three
days after opening. Theresa’s magnum opus that flirts with perfection.
Score: 98
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