Gary Farrell Winery
Russian River Selection Pinot Noir 2021
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
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 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 40% new French oak barrels (light toast François Frères, Ana Selection, Remond and Tonnellerie O) for 10 months of barrel aging on primary lees.
VINTAGE
2021 was a spectacular vintage. It was a drought year, so Mother Nature was responsible for trimming yields and producing a plentiful and beautifully balanced crop. This was a nice contrast compared to previous drought years when the crop was very small and the wines were more muscular. In 2021, the clusters were medium in size and the berries were plump with a good number of seeds, excellent skin to juice ratio and beautiful acidity. The summer months had beautiful ripening weather with very few heat spikes, allowing the grapes to ripen evenly, while having time to develop lots of flavor. Veraison began in mid to late July and the weather from that point until harvest was perfectly moderate yielding excellent hang time and world class wines
TASTING NOTE
This gorgeous Pinot Noir opens with seductive aromas of cherry liquor, sweet tobacco, fresh fennel, rose petal and boysenberry preserves. The broad, youthful, tangy, yet complex palate offers juicy flavors of blood orange, sour cherry jam, tamarind, raspberry jerk sauce, with a hint of savory green plantains. The firm tannins and tangy acidity create a full-bodied texture, lending to the incredibly long, spicy finish. – Theresa Heredia, Winemaker
Color
Red
Grape Varieties
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Russian River Valley, California
Alcohol
13.9%
Suggested Retail Price
$45
Reviews
"Intensity from the first whiff"
Wine Enthusiast - December 1, 2023 "Focused, pure red and black cherries infuse this wine with fruit intensity from the first whiff to the tangy, lip-smacking finish. Sour cherries, rhubarb, moderate tannins and bracing acidity add to its tangy allure." —J.G. 12/23
"Black cherry and pomegranate"
Wine Spectator - March 4, 2024 "Fresh and open-knit in feel, offering a mix of black cherry and pomegranate notes backed by judicious toast and a hint of rooibos tea, ending with a stylish finish." —J.M. 3/24
More on Gary Farrell Winery Russian River Selection Pinot Noir 2021
Theresa Heredia Nominated as Winemaker of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine
January 21, 2023 - On September 14th, Wine Enthusiast announced their nominees for their Wine Star Awards and amongst them is Gary Farrell Winery Director of Winemaking Theresa Heredia for Winemaker of the Year.…
Wines for Connoisseurs
January 21, 2023 - Ponzi Vineyards, Van Volxem, and Gary Farrell Winery are all featured on Food & Wine Club and in the American Express ‘Connoisseur Club’ Newsletter from editor Anthony Giglio. The round-up, titled…
Trade Materials
Videos
2018 Gary Farrell Winery Russian River Selection Pinot Noir
February 19, 2021 - Estate Sommelier Tiffany Kuhn and Winemaker Teresa Heredia discuss the 2018 Russian River Selection Pinot Noir.
Other Wines by this Producer
Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley, California
Named for its previous owners, the 100-acre Hallberg Vineyard is today owned and managed by wine industry veterans including vineyard manager Kirk Lokka. Nestled in the Green Valley sub-appellation, the site enjoys refreshing daytime breezes and cool nighttime temperatures. The strong marine influence means less severe daily temperature shifts so the vines never completely shut down, producing fruit with deep, dark color, great structure, silky tannins, darker fruit flavors and earthy characteristics. This blend is a composition of many of the best blocks on this cool, foggy vineyard site, which include clones 667, 777, 828, Pommard and a mysterious “suitcase” selection.
Russian River Selection Chardonnay
Russian River Valley, California
The Russian River Selection bottlings are quintessential Russian River Valley wines blended from some of the winery’s top vineyard sources. They are beautiful expressions of their varietal type and of the appellation’s unique terroir, each blend capturing the richness, purity and elegance that are Gary Farrell Winery’s trademarks. This layered and complex Chardonnay brings together fruit from several of our favorite Russian River Valley vineyard sites.
Olivet Lane Chardonnay
Russian River Valley, California
Pellegrini’s Olivet Lane Vineyard was planted in 1975 to Wente selection on AXR rootstock. The vineyard sits on 65 acres of sloping bench land in the Santa Rosa Plain, in between the warmer Westside Road region and the cooler Green Valley,where warm summer days are moderated by cool breezes and chilly evening temperatures. The combination of low temperatures, regular fog intrusion and well drained loam, clay soils create an excellent environment for growing Chardonnay that develop cool-climate characteristics and impeccable acid at fairly low sugars.The wines from this vineyard simultaneously express power and finesse, and they do so with tremendous balance.