The San Francisco Examiner highlighted two single vineyard expressions from Gary Farrell Winery, Olivet Lane Chardonnay 2017 and Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017, in a piece that speaks to the unique “neighborhoods” of the Russian River Valley.
As context, the writer points out, “the Russian River Valley is widely known to have the finest terroir for pinot noir and cool-climate chardonnay outside of Burgundy. The large Sonoma County appellation extends north from Healdsburg to areas south of Sebastopol. To that end, the Russian River Valley Neighborhood Initiative divides the appellation into six areas, each with distinct climates, soils and marine influences.”
Now on to the wines….
“Planted in 1975, the Olivet Lane Vineyard is located in the Santa Rosa Plains neighborhood where cold nights enable grapes to retain acidity. The Gary Farrell 2017 Olivet Lane Vineyard Chardonnay, aged in 35% new French oak, offers intense stone fruit aromas and flavors with hints of citrus and a lingering minerality.” Continuing, “Bright aromas of dark berry and cherry in the 2017 Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir introduce earthy, savory flavors combined with those of concentrated fruit. It differs from the next release.” Read the full story HERE
GFW_SF-Examiner_12.12.2020Related Wines
Gary Farrell Winery
Gary Farrell Winery Olivet Lane Chardonnay 2017
Russian River Valley, California
Pellegrini’s Olivet Lane Vineyard was planted in 1975 to Wente selection on AXR rootstock. The vineyard sits on 65 acres of sloping bench land in the Santa Rosa Plain, in between the warmer Westside Road region and the cooler Green Valley,where warm summer days are moderated by cool breezes and chilly evening temperatures. The combination of low temperatures, regular fog intrusion and well drained loam, clay soils create an excellent environment for growing Chardonnay that develop cool-climate characteristics and impeccable acid at fairly low sugars.The wines from this vineyard simultaneously express power and finesse, and they do so with tremendous balance.
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.
Gary Farrell Winery
Gary Farrell Winery Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir
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.
