Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/57654
DEPARTMENT HEADER RITZY PINOT #10: "CLASSIC CALIFORNIA" Gary Farrell 2009 Russian River Selection Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($42) Vintage Point L ong-term relationships with growers have allowed the Gary Farrell Pinot Noir to enjoy con- tinued success. Winemaker Susan Reed explained that the 2009 vintage produced small yields after a cold, wet spring. "But we also experienced ideal growing conditions in the Russian River Valley just the same," she says. With a focus on elegance, Reed points out that they pick earlier than most. "We aim for refinement." "I love this wine; rich and silky-textured without being heavy. It has a smooth and integrated tannin structure for a fleshy mouthfeel. Exotic island fruits leap from the glass." —Jai Wilson "Sexy and lush, driven by sharp, tart fruit. Never out of balance." —Ted Glennon "A crowd pleaser, ripe and oaky. Classic Cali Pinot." —Ian Cauble MacPhail Family 2009 Toulouse Vineyard Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley ($49) The Hess Collection RITZY PINOT #11: "COMPLEXITY PLUS" T welve miles from the Pacific, Toulouse Vineyard in Philo, California is home to the fruit for this wine, made from four clones of Pinot Noir—the grapes hand-picked and sorted twice—and aged 11 months in French oak. The vineyard, in the heart of Anderson Valley, hosts gravelly Pinole soil that facilitates deep-seeking roots and excellent drain- age. Aging sur lie for 11 months gives this wine body, complexity and texture. "German chocolate cake, cherry-topped with the coconut trimming. Underlying earth tones add layers to the cake." —Meridith May "Goes from high tones to subtle spice, with pure Pinot expression." —Ted Glennon Susan Reed is the winemaker for Gary Farrell Wines. James McPhail. march 2012 / the tasting panel / 93