Vineyard: McDonald Mountain

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

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Recently Tasted Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (11.25 6/26/2018)
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Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2016 Gary Farrell McDonald Mountain Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.73, 718 cases, $70. Released May 2019.Vineyard is located in the cool Sebastopol Hills where the fog first arrives from the Pacific Ocean in the morning, and burns off last in the afternoon. Vineyard was planted in 2008 in Goldridge sandy loam to clones 115, 667, 777, Pommard, “828,” and Elite (a suitcase selection). 40% whole clusters added. 5-day cold soak and a 10 to 15 day post fermentation extended maceration. Aged on the primary lees 15 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Deep aromas of blackest cherry, spice, and burnt tobacco. The mid weight flavors of black cherry and pomegranate are ingratiating as is the grip of natural acidity. There is a slight vegetal note. This wine is promising, but does not have the flavor intensity of the Bacigalupi bottling and displays a mild bit of gruff tannins on the lengthy finish. Score: 91. Reviewed July 20, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Gary Farrell McDonald Mountain Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.26, TA 0.74, 585 cases, $65. Released May 2018.This vineyard is located in a souther cool area bordering the Petaluma Gap. Planted in 2008 to a diverse clonal selection including 115, 667, 777, Pommard, “828,” and Elite(?). 80% of grapes de-stemmed and 20% whole clusters added later. 5-day cold soak, 10-15 day extended maceration. Aged 16 months on the primary lees in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of peppery dark fruits, exotic spices and toasty oak. A flood of purple berry and spice flavors greet the palate in a mid weight plush style flaunting an intense mid palate presence and a big, long finish. Soft in the mouth, with balanced tannins and righteous oak. More luscious and fruit-driven than usual for a Gary Farrell Pinot. Score: 93. Reviewed June 29, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Gary Farrell McDonald Mountain Vineyard Clone 667 20% Whole Cluster Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., pH 3.23, TA 0.76, 90 cases, $70. Black label indicating this is a special winemaker bottling. Vineyard is located in the cool Sebastopol Hills and was planted in 2008 in Goldridge soil. Two adjacent blocks of 667 produce seductive wines and the winemaker could not bring herself to blend it away. 80% de-stemmed, 20% whole cluster. 5-day cold soak, 10-15 day extended post-fermentation maceration. Aged 16 months on primary lees in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. This wine must be decanted for full enjoyment as it is very shy and monolithic upon opening. My remarks refer to tasting the wine 8 hours after opening. The nose is quite exotic and seductive, offering aromas of crushed blackberries, cassis, dried herbs and sweet oak. Well-endowed with a core of black cherry, black raspberry, and cardamom spice backed by ripe tannins. The lively acidity drives a juicy, succulent experience. The finish offers an echo of dark fruits that are both aromatically engaging and persistent. Score: 94. Reviewed July 21, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »