Review: Gary Farrell 2018 Chardonnay and 2017 Pinot Noir Single Vineyard Selections
These two new Gary Farrell releases are both single-vineyard offerings from Sonoma’s Russian River Valley. Let’s give them a look.
2018 Gary Farrell Chardonnay Russian River Valley Olivet Lane Vineyard – A creamy but fruit-focused chardonnay, all vanilla custard up top, with layers of pineapple, lemon, green apple, and quince emerging in short order. A modest acidity keeps things plenty lively, though the unctuous body rolls over the experience, culminating with a delightfully tart note of lemon meringue pie. Ultra-drinkable. A / $45
2017 Gary Farrell Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Hallberg Vineyard – A surprisingly sweet wine for something from the Russian River, this pinot exudes strawberry as much as it does cherry notes, with hints of sweet vanilla, baking spice, and a toffee note. A bit of red pepper perks up the finish, but the wine’s seductive sweetness is really all-encompassing from front to back, and particularly on the almost candylike finish. With that in mind: This is a pinot built for summer sipping, a rare red “porch pounder” in all its glory. Drink up. A- / $55 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]
2017 Gary Farrell Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Hallberg Vineyard
$55
