Seattleite recommended three Gary Farrell Winery wines as part of the publication’s California Wine Month roundup. See below for the excerpts and read the full list of wine picks HERE:
Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Chardonnay 2017 – “Aromas bring tangerine zest, coconut, and passionfruit. The citrus gives way to a burst of complex deliciousness. Stone-fruit and lime flavors are balanced with a delicate nuttiness and excellent minerality. The wine has mellow acidity and a velvety texture. It will pair brilliantly with herbed seafood dishes like parsley-scented halibut or grilled salmon with tarragon. For a vegetarian pairing, try a pumpkin and sage risotto.”
Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir 2017 – “This is a great pour for rainy fall evenings, with the fire roaring inside. Translucent red in colour, it begins with aromas of freshly-picked cherries and ripe raspberries. It boasts woodsy, mushroom flavors and a smooth, vanilla finish. Excellent acidity brings balance to the red lush fruit. For a great pairing, try it with mushroom-topped pizza, or barbecue portobello mushrooms, to pick up on natural earthy flavors in the wine.”
Gary Farrell Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016 – “The thin-skinned Pinot Noir grape is mystifying at best, but Sonoma County has some great terroirs that tame its temperamental nature. Hallberg vineyard being a cool and foggy site provides a great maritime climate for the grapes to really thrive. This gorgeous pomegranate-hued wine starts with violets, clove and brown sugar on the nose. The palate is well balanced with rich fruit flavors and gentle acidity. It’s dark-colored but has a lightweight texture, making it great for languorous brunches. Pair with classic brunch foods—bruschetta, a hearty frittata or even savory chicken waffles.”
Related Wines
Gary Farrell Winery
Gary Farrell Winery Russian River Selection Chardonnay 2017
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.
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.
