WINE REVIEW: Gary Farrell 2018 Pinot Noir, Russian River Selection,

Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, CA ($46)

by Andrew Chalk

Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery produces a large range of pinot noir wines each distinguished by its origins. This wine is sourced from seven different vineyards in Sonoma County’s famous Russian River Valley. Partly whole-cluster fermented and aged in 35% new French oak for 10 months the vinification is generally mainstream. However, it was held in bottle for 15 months before release. Production is a modest 10,055 cases.

Drink now. Either quaffed heartily or with veal, pork, or white-sauced pasta recipes.

A: Translucent purple;

N: Earthy, black cherry, perfumy, black pepper. Clean, medium intensity;

T: Soft tannins, chewy texture. Bright red fruit. A little thin in the mid-palate. Mild French oak flavors;

Sample. Bottle no. 057462.