Wine of the Week-Gary Farrell 2018 Russian River Selection Pinot Noir-Russian River Valley

The Times Weekly in Chicago selected Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir 2018 as its wine of the week.

In 2004, the release of the critically acclaimed film Sideways cemented the reputation of California Pinot Noir to the public – for good and for bad. In the highly competitive space, writer Dwight Casimere says the Russian River Selection Pinot Noir “enters the crowded field with a beautiful expression of this finicky grape.”

Crediting Winemaker Theresa Heredia, he adds “the wine captures the Russian River Valley’s unique terroir, that elusive blend of soil, climate and growing season. It’s an achievement that Heredia likes to call capturing the essence of place.” He offers a nice overview of the growing season, the grape sourcing and winemaking.

“The freshness and voluptuousness of the wine really shine through,” adds Casimere. “A heady bouquet of brandied cherries, raspberry fields and rose geraniums intoxicate the senses. Alluring layers of flavor also await. Handfuls of ripe, juicy red fruit spill over into hints of floral herbs such as oregano and thyme. Then follow hints of clove and cinnamon. Bits of cranberry and Hibiscus tea and a touch of vanilla bean cascade into zesty ginger snaps. A final swirl of caramel finishes the glass.”

Read more about the winemaking, food pairing recommendations and more HERE