Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir (750Ml)

Gary Farrell is one of the names that put Russian River Valley Pinot Noir on the map. Gary Farrell released the first wine under his own label in 1982. The winery sits on a hilltop near Healdsburg in Sonoma County. Its focus is cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, made with care and restraint.

This bottle is the 2021 Russian River Selection Pinot Noir. It blends fruit from ten vineyards, including Rochioli, Hallberg and Bacigalupi. The grapes were sorted by hand, and some fermented as whole clusters. The wine then aged for 13 months on its lees in French oak, 40% of it new. 2021 was a dry year with small crops and well-balanced fruit.

Swirl the glass and you will find cherry liqueur, rose petal and boysenberry jam. Sweet tobacco and fresh fennel sit underneath. On the palate, sour cherry jam and raspberry meet blood orange and a hint of tamarind. The body is full, with firm tannins and a tangy, fresh acidity. The finish is long and spicy.

Give it a few minutes in the glass to open up. It is lovely with roast chicken, grilled salmon or mushroom dishes. Light grilled meats work well too. It is best on its own or with food, not in mixed drinks.

Reach for this wine when you want a Pinot Noir with bright fruit, savory depth and a lively edge. It is a great bottle to share over a long, slow dinner with friends.