Syrah Queen published an extremely indepth story focused on Gary Farrell Winery, including reviews of the Olivet Lane Chardonnay 2017 and Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017. Writer Rupal Shankar participated in a virtual tasting experience hosted by Winemaker Theresa Heredia that explored the Russian River Valley’s subregions, referred to as neighborhoods, and more specifically the five that Heredia produces wine from.
The write up offers a nice overview of the different neighborhoods, the unique characteristics each possess and what Heredia strives to achieve with each wine.
We learn the Olivet Lane Chardonnay is produced from grapes that are an old Wente selection. “The wine has great intensity and concentration in addition to the mineral and citrus notes that are characteristic of the neighborhood. This Olivet Lane Chardonnay is European in style, with its freshness and firm acidity. The wine is perfect with food as it has richness and intensity with ripe fruit flavors.”
The gorgeous Hallberg Pinot Noir is described as having “blackberry, black cherries, plum and violet notes.” Continuing, “Earthy elements of mushroom and tobacco come through on the palate. An intense and long finish leaves a memorable impression.”
Read the full story HERE
GFW_SyrahQueen_1.2021Related 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 2017
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.