Wine writer Wanda Mann participated in a virtual tasting of Gary Farrell Vineyards with Winemaker Theresa Heredia recently, and highlighted some of the key takeaways on Wine with Wanda. The session first introduced participants to the winery’s history and Heredia’s winemaking philosophies before tasting the single vineyard wines, including Gary Farrell Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016.
Mann notes that each of the Gary Farrell wines “sparks and emotion, a question, a revelation,” and that is largely a result of Heredia’s expertise. To that end, she adds, “her scientific prowess and commitment to precision were apparent, but Theresa also understands that there’s an ineffable dimension to winemaking that adds a bit of magic.”
“I believe that when crafting single-vineyard wines, a cookie-cutter approach must be avoided,” wrote Mann. “For the single-vineyard designation to mean something beyond a mere geographical description, the wine must convey that terroir’s unique qualities. It should capture the essence of the variety as it manifests itself in that vineyard. Gary Farrell’s single-vineyard Pinot Noir meets that criteria.” Read the full review and her tasting notes of each wine HERE.
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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.
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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.
