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.
VINEYARD
The Hallberg Vineyard is located in the Green Valley AVA. This cooler sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley benefits from refreshing daytime breezes and cool, but not cold, nighttime temperatures. Additionally, a strong marine-influenced climate results in smaller diurnal fluctuations (less severe temperature change from day to night and warmer nighttime temperatures) that provides an ideal ripening environment. The soils in this vineyard are Goldridge series sand loam soils that exhibit excellent drainage and low soil fertility, serving to keep vines low in vigor. The use of high density vine spacing (1x2m) promotes excellent vine balance and development of grape flavors, structure, and concentration. Lastly, this vineyard is dry farmed so that the vines are more naturally in balance, creating a wine with a pure expression of this unique terroir.
WINEMAKING
Grapes were harvested in the cool morning hours then brought to the winery. After a careful hand sorting, ~80% of the fruit was gently de-stemmed, then transferred to small, open-top tanks and ~20% of the fruit was added later as whole clusters. The juice was chilled to 45°F and allowed to cold soak for 6 days before fermentation was started. During fermentation, the cap was gently punched down 2-3 times per day. After fermentation, the new wine and its solids were allowed to sit in tank for 10-15 days of extended maceration, a period during which the tannins soften and the primary fermentation esters develop more complexity. The wine was then gently pressed off the skins and seeds, inoculated for malolactic fermentation and racked into 40% new French oak barrels (light and medium toast François Frères, Ana Selection, Remond and Tonnellerie O) for 15 months of barrel aging on primary lees.
VINTAGE
The 2016 vintage was an exceptional year for Russian River Valley wines. Harvest seem to start early every year now in Sonoma County, and this season was no exception. Much needed winter rains alleviated some of the drought pressure and vine development was able to begin early. This, coupled with a remarkably slow and steady ripening season, gave the grapes plenty of time to develop perfect balance, structure, and an amazing complexity of flavors. The 2016 Pinot Noir crop was medium in size while the quality and overall integrity of the fruit was among the best that we’ve ever seen at the winery. Cooler than average daytime highs and cold nights gave us the opportunity to pick the fruit exactly when it was ready, giving us wines that have tremendous concentration, finesse, and beautiful natural acidity. We were fortunate to experience another spectacular vintage in the
Russian River Valley, and are excited to see how the wines evolve as they age in our barrel cellar.
TASTING NOTE
Lush aromas of dark cherry, currants, and cola naturally follow the deep ruby hue of this wine in glass. Dried mushrooms, black tea, and an array of fresh violets, rose petals, and a hint of peppermint provide complexity and intrigue. Exceptional palate
weight coupled with a tremendous concentration of fruit flavors and zesty acidity deliver a balanced package of power and finesse.
Color
Red
Grape Varieties
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Russian River Valley, California
Alcohol
13.9%
Suggested Retail Price
$55
Reviews
"Well-structured, featuring a long finish"
Wine Spectator - January 16, 2020 “Finely textured, with an elegant mix of dried cherry, redcurrant and plum flavors, knit together by fresh acidity. Well-structured, featuring a long finish that echoes with savory spice and cedar accents.”
"Nuanced, amaro-laced finish
Wine Advocate (92+) - January 16, 2020 “The 2016 Pinot Noir Hallberg Vineyard has a pale to medium ruby color and subdued nose of forest floor, bitter citrus peel, tobacco and smoke with a core of ripe red and blue berries. The palate packs in the earthy blue and red fruits, with firm, slightly grippy tannins and a nuanced, amaro-laced finish.”
"Beauty and intensity"
Wine Enthusiast - January 16, 2020 “This lush wine offers layers of orange, rhubarb and spice. Black tea and clove chime in, showcasing the beauty and intensity of this wine’s personality.” -VB
"Elegant harmony"
Decanter - August 25, 2020
"Showcases exceptional depth with ripe red fruit character largely leaning into cherry, raspberry, strawberry and a hint of dried lavender in the mix. Black tea, savoury spice and silky tannins lay the groundwork for an elegant harmony of fresh acidity, seamless structure and a juicy finish."
More on Gary Farrell Winery Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016
Winemaker Theresa Heredia on the 2016 Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir
April 13, 2020 - Gary Farrell winemaker Theresa Heredia gives her tasting notes on the 2016 Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir.
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
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