2015 Gary Farrell Westside Farms Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.9% alc., pH 3.12, TA 0.83, 631 cases, $55. Released May 2018. A 40-acre vineyard just four miles up Westside Road from the Gary Farrell Winery. The Chardonnay vines were planted in 1989 to clone 4. Harvest Brix 22º-23º. Gently whole cluster pressed, inoculated with Montrachet yeast, and aged 9 months in French oak barrels (both traditional barrels and 500-L puncheons), 35% new. Racked off primary lees only once, just before bottling. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Terrific aromas of lemon curd, pineapple, buttery brioche, ripe melon, flint, caramel and nuts holds up in the glass over time. Richly fruited such that the wine has Russian River Valley written all over it, offering flavors of lemon, Golden Delicious apple, and pineapple. Slightly creamy on the palate, with an uptick of acidity on the refreshing finish that shows some length. A Caliesque style that often receives widespread embrace for its fruit, but different because of the energizing acidity that accompanies it in this wine. Score: 93. Reviewed June 29, 2018

Winery: Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
From article: Recently Tasted Pinot Noir & Chardonnay