Gary Farrell

Gary Farrell’s first release was a 50-case production of Pinot Noir in 1982. Today, this Sonoma Valley producer offers a portfolio predominantly based on Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, with the majority of the grapes harvested from vineyards in the Russian River Valley. With the cool breezes and nighttime fog found in this American Viticultural Area, the grapes tend to yield higher acidity, ultimately creating bright wines with fresh fruit qualities. Gary Farrell’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines consistently score the highest, according to our ratings. For more information on this producer’s wines, visit our Gary Farrell Wine Reviews.

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Gary Farrell 2007 Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)

Price $50

A tremendous, powerful, authoritative Chardonnay, among the elites of California. Just massive in pineapple-infused crème brûlée, pear custard, buttered toast, roasted hazelnut, and cinnamon spice flavors, offset by refreshing acidity and grounded with a floor of firm minerals. Retains elegance and class despite the power. Drink now–2013. Just 299 cases were… — S.H. (12/31/2009)

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Gary Farrell 2006 Rochioli - Allen Vineyards Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $41

Stunning and dramatic, reminiscent of a fine Burgundy. Hugely complex flavors of grilled tropical fruits, minerals, peaches and pears, elaborated with waves of smoky, honey-sweet oak and dusty spices. For all the richness, it’s completely dry. A blend made from two of the greatest vineyards in the Russian River Valley. — S.H. (4/1/2009)

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Gary Farrell 2006 Bradford Mountain Vineyards Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $40

Shows a dramatic interpretation of Dry Creek terroir, with intense wild berry, mocha and spice flavors that are so ripe, they veer into currants and grilled blackberries. Entirely dry, the wine is marked by rich, complex tannins. Superb, a great wine, as good as Zinfandel gets. Drink now through 2012. — S.H. (4/1/2009)

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Gary Farrell 2004 Rochioli - Allen Vineyards Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

Price $65

These vineyards are, of course, very famous, among the oldest and more respected in Russian River. Gary Farrell has long had access to their coveted fruit and 2004 is one of his greatest bottlings ever. It may be due to the warm vintage, but the fruit is spectacular, not in your face at the expense of balance, and rich in cherries, cola and cinnamon-infused rum… — S.H. (4/1/2007)

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Gary Farrell 2005 Rochioli - Allen Vineyards Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

Price $70

It’s amazing how rich this is, given the pale, translucent ruby color. Waves of cherries, raspberries, roasted hazelnuts, cola, pomegranates, herb tea, dusty Asian spices and smoky oak change constantly in the glass, as the wine breathes and endlessly fascinates. Bone-dry and tartly crisp, the wine will develop bottle complexities over the next eight years. — S.H. (7/1/2008)

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Gary Farrell 2006 Cresta Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $41

Actually from the Green Valley, a firm, young, minerally wine, with a flinty tang. There’s also tremendous oak influence in the form of smoke, cream and butterscotch, but the richness comes from exotic Meyer lemon, Key lime pie and green apple jam fruit. Brilliant and compelling. — S.H. (4/1/2009)

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Gary Farrell 2007 Bradford Mountain Vineyards Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)

Cellar Selection

Price $40

A complex, sophisticated Zinfandel, although it’s very young, and all the parts haven’t come together. Shows luscious waves of ripe forest blackberries, raspberries, red plums and nectarines, with notes of dry chocolate, sweet tobacco, balsam and cedar, finished with massive peppery spices. Notable for the purity and elegance of its tannin-acid structure, this… — S.H. (12/31/2009)

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Gary Farrell 2007 Russian River Selection Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $32

Brilliantly crisp and lushly creamy and honeyed, just a beautiful Chardonnay that offers decadence and sheer deliciousness. Massive in grilled pineapples, green apples, ripe nectarines and butterscotch, brightened with mouthwatering acidity. A joy to drink. — S.H. (12/31/2009)

Most Reviewed Designations

Bien Nacido Vineyard Carneros Selection Cresta Ridge Vineyard Encounter Hallberg Vineyard Redwood Ranch Rochioli - Allen Vineyards Rochioli Vineyard Russian River Selection Starr Ridge Vineyard Westside Farms

Most Reviewed Varietals

Bordeaux-style Red Blend Cabernet Blend Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Merlot Pinot Noir Red Blend Sauvignon Blanc Syrah Zinfandel

2010 Bogle Old Vine

What a delicious Zin this is. Sourced from the warm climates of Lodi and…

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