Gary Farrell 'Russian River Selection' Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley California

Succulent red cherry and rose petal open into ripe red fruit, blood orange, savory earth, baking spice, and cedar, carried by zesty acidity and fine tannins. The 2023 Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir brings together 100% Pinot Noir from distinguished vineyard sources across the Russian River Valley, spanning the warmer, river-cooled Middle Reach to the foggier conditions of Green Valley. Made during an exceptionally long, cool growing season under winemaker Theresa Heredia, it captures the richness and purity of the appellation while retaining the freshness and elegant structure central to Gary Farrell's style.

Product Details:

• Winemaker: Theresa Heredia
• Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vineyard Sources: Multiple vineyard sites spanning varied growing conditions, including sources such as Rochioli, Bacigalupi, and Hallberg
• Harvest: Hand-harvested during the cool morning hours
• Whole Cluster: Small percentage retained as whole clusters for fermentation
• Cold Soak: 4 to 7 days in small open-top tanks
• Fermentation: Inoculated fermentation with extraction managed by punch-downs and pump-overs
• Post-Fermentation Maceration: 7 to 10 days
• Pressing: Gently pressed in a Bucher basket press
• Élevage: 9 months in French oak barrels, 35% new
• Coopers: Ana Selection, Tonnellerie Ô, François Frères, and Remond
• ABV: 13.9%
• pH: 3.40
• Total Acidity: 6.50 g/L
• Production: 10,303 cases
• Bottled: December 2024

Sensory Description:

Vibrant red cherry and rose petal lead the aromatic profile, layered with brown baking spice and a restrained touch of cedar. The broad, medium-bodied palate develops ripe red fruits and blood orange alongside savory earth, with bright acidity keeping the fruit focused and energetic. Fine tannins define without overwhelming the silky Pinot Noir texture, while spice and cedar linger through a long, composed finish.

Awards & Accolades:

• Wine Enthusiast: 92 Points
• Wine Spectator: 92 Points

Winemaker's Background:

Gary Farrell founded his namesake winery in 1982 with a Pinot Noir made from Rochioli Vineyard fruit, establishing an early connection to the vineyards that helped define the Russian River Valley's reputation for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The winery has continued to build its wines around long-term grower relationships rather than a single estate vineyard, sourcing from sites across the appellation's varied neighborhoods and mesoclimates. Theresa Heredia led the winemaking team during the 2023 harvest, continuing the winery's emphasis on site expression and freshness, before longtime team member Brent McKoy succeeded her as Head Winemaker in 2024. The Russian River Valley bottling draws these vineyard relationships together in an appellation-level expression designed to capture the region's breadth while retaining the winery's focus on purity and elegance.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at approximately 15 to 16 degrees Celsius in a Burgundy-style wine glass. A short period of air can help the cherry, floral, spice, and savory notes unfold when served young. Pair with roast duck, herb-roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, grilled salmon, mushroom dishes, or veal, where the wine's bright acidity and fine tannins can balance richer textures while preserving its fresh red-fruit character.