The Times Weekly sat down with Gary Farrell Vineyards tasting salon and estate manager, sommelier Kevin Patterson, to discuss the 2017 Russian River Selection Pinot Noir and 2017 Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir. The two wines serve as an interesting exploration into the French concept of terroir. Dwight Casimere elaborates that, “it (terroir) means more than simply the ground that the grapes are grown in or the weather conditions under which they are developed […] It is a word that is all encompassing, as is the experience of drinking wine.”
Patteson elaborates that at Gary Farrell, where the winemaking team has the privilege of working with some of the finest vineyards in the Russian River Valley, evaluate terroir by asking questions such as “Is this wine that we’re tasting from the barrel going to be part of an orchestra, or is it a soloist?” This helps determine the single vineyard bottlings and the selection bottlings.
The article reviews both wines, giving high praise to each. The Russian River Selection Pinot Noir 2017 is rewarded for its “pronounced fruit notes of red cherries and raspberries […] the wine really takes you on a journey.” The Hallberg Pinot Noir is described as “sui generis” or “a thing apart or in a class of its own.”
To learn more about Gary Farrell and terroir, read the full article here.
GFW_TimesWeekly_9.24.2020Related Wines
Gary Farrell Winery
Gary Farrell Winery Russian River Selection Pinot Noir 2017
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.
Gary Farrell Winery
Gary Farrell Winery Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016
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.
Related Producers
Gary Farrell Winery
Russian River Valley, California
For over 40 years, Gary Farrell Winery has crafted small-lot artisan wines capturing balance and stylistic elegance from some of the finest vineyard sites in the Russian River Valley. Since 2014, the current owners have been dedicated to enhancing Gary Farrell’s legacy with a single-minded focus on quality, relying on rigorous vineyard selection, outstanding grower relationships and superior quality fruit.