Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/856981
Gary Farrell 2014 Chardonnay, Olivet Lane Vineyard, Russian River Valley (SRP $45) is seriously complex, made from older, low-yielding vines in Pellegrini's Olivet Lane Vineyard. Concentration is key, with a cornucopia of round, succulent fruit, citrus and spice. Meyer lemon, tangerine blossom and Bosc pear meld beautifully with nuances of cassia and white peppercorn. There's a floral-petal dryness on the finish. The wine was married to a delicately flavored salade Lyonnaise with bacon lardons and poached egg. 94 Gary Farrell 2014 Pinot Noir, Russian River Selection, Russian River Valley (SRP $45) is a blend of 18 vineyards. With aromas of cinnamon and ripe raspberries, the texture and flavors are lively, lithe and bursting with strawberry confit and pomegranate, with a touch of tea leaf and an elegant, refined finish. 94 Gary Farrell 2014 Pinot Noir, Hallberg Vineyard, Russian River Valley (SRP $55) paired beautifully with pan-seared Scottish salmon and sweet carrots in an artichoke-based barigoule emulsion. Bright cherry and spice, layered with clove, cedar and forest floor. 96 august 2017 / the tasting panel / 47 regular barrel—and light toast barrels to yield balanced wines with enhanced varietal and terroir characteristics. Whether we were experiencing the Gary Farrell Chardonnays or the Pinot Noirs, the group noticed that there is no common thread when it comes to flavor profiles in the wines. Heredia is able to embrace the varying qualities, sites and vintages to make each wine taste unique. OVER 35 YEARS OF WINEMAKING HISTORY Celebrated Russian River Valley grower Joe Rochioli Jr. was the first to sell Gary Farrell (the man) fruit for his inaugural, eponymous, 50-case release in 1982. That Gary Farrell Winery Rochioli Vineyard Pinot Noir was released to great critical acclaim, marking the beginning of this 35-year- old brand. Gary Farrell joined fellow visionaries Robert Stemmler and Tom Dehlinger as someone who could see the potential of the Russian River Valley for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Another visionary is current owner Bill Price. Price is Managing Partner of Kistler Vineyard and owner of Three Sticks, Lutum and the coveted Durell and Gap's Crown Vineyards. Price is the ideal person to continue the long legacy of the Gary Farrell label as a flagship of Russian River Valley quality. The current vintages show strength, ageworthi- ness and decidedly perfect food-pairing ability. My notes are below. Sean Van Straatum, General Manager of Avec Nous at L'Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills, with Theresa Heredia and Wine Buyer Amy Mullally of Wine Country retail in Long Beach. "Gary Farrell wines are legendary," says the legend himself, Master Sommelier Fred Dame, pictured here with Matthew Turner, Wine Director of Wally's Vinoteca in Beverly Hills. "As beautiful as these wines are now . . . well, that's just the beginning."