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.
Gary Farrell 2003 Starr Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
- $45
This is the kind of Pinot Noir that is styled in a leaner, tauter, more acidic way meant to complement food and be cellarworthy. Nonetheless the impressive cherry and blackberry flavors are flattering.
— S.H.
(11/1/2005)
Gary Farrell 2004 Starr Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $50
This vineyard needs heat to ripen. In a cool vintage like 2000, it can be tart. But 2004 was a very warm year, and the wine shows unctuous cherry pie, cola, rhubarb and spiced rum punch flavors balanced by dependably crisp acidity. It’s a very dry wine, and should hold and improve for five years.
— S.H.
(2/1/2007)
Gary Farrell 2005 Ramal Vineyard Pinot Noir (Carneros)
- $50
The Ramal Vineyard has been source to a fine series of Buena Vista Pinot Noirs. Farrell has captured another interpretation of its terroir, not quite as lush or ripe, but firm in acid-inspired cherries and licorice, with a subtle veneer of smoky oak. It’s a dry, crisp young wine, well-structured, a good partner for upscale fare such as lamb chops.
— S.H.
(7/1/2008)
Gary Farrell 2006 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara County)
- $50
A fine Pinot, with the lush, silky texture you expect from this variety. The flavors are rich, of sour cherries, red plums, red currants, herb tea, orange zest, cinnamon and pepper. The finish is very dry and firm in tannins. Should develop well over the next six years.
— S.H.
(8/1/2009)
Gary Farrell 2006 Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
- $50
Lots of plush, ripe sour cherry, currant, cola and pomegranate flavors in this dry, silky wine, but also lots of tannins. Like chewing on a grape skin, with the resulting astringency. Needs time. Better after 2010.
— S.H.
(8/1/2009)
Gary Farrell 2007 Carneros Selection Pinot Noir (Carneros)
- $42
A lovely, elegant Pinot Noir for drinking now. From the Ramal Vineyard, made famous by Buena Vista, it shows dry crispness, a silky texture and flavor complexity. Offers rich notes of cherries, cola, pomegranates and sandalwood.
— S.H.
(12/31/2009)
Gary Farrell 2007 Russian River Selection Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
- $42
Here’s a silky Pinot Noir that’s ready to drink now. It’s dry and elegantly constructed, with complex flavors of cherries, herbs, tobacco, cola and sandalwood.
— S.H.
(12/31/2009)
Gary Farrell 2007 Ramal Vineyard Pinot Noir (Carneros)
- Online Exclusive
- $50
This is a big, somewhat heavy Pinot Noir in its youth. It has the weight of a Grenache, with furry tannins housing flavors of red and black cherries, red currants and mocha. It’s quite a good wine, but juvenile. Give it 2–3 years in the cellar, and it should glide through 2014 or so.
— S.H.
(3/1/2010)
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