2015 Gary Farrell Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., pH 3.36, TA 0.69, 1,173 cases, $55. Released February 2018 and one year in bottle. Vineyard is located in the cool Green Valley. A strong marine influence leads to less severe daily temperature shifts so the vines never shut down completely. The result is grapes with dark color, great structure and darker fruit flavors. Clones 667, 777, “828,” Pommard and a suitcase selection. Grapes harvested in early morning, 20% whole cluster, 6-day cold soak. 10-15 days of extended maceration after fermentation. Aged in French oak barrels (light and medium toast), 40% new, on primary lees for 16 months. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Brooding aromas of blackest cherry, black raspberry and blueberry-pomegranate. Bright, mid weight flavors of blueberry and boysenberry fruits resembling biting into just-picked-in-the-early-morning grapes. Polished and balanced with a juiciness propelled by vibrant acidity, finishing clean and bright. Score: 93. Reviewed April 14, 2018

Winery: Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
From article: Recent Sips of California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay