2011 Gary Farrell Hallberg Vineyard Clone 777 7% Whole Cluster Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.60, 260 cases, $65. Released September 2013. One of a new series of wines called the (Winemaker’s) Inspiration Series for limited release. Inaugural bottling. From Block C at the Hallberg Vineyard, one of the coolest parts of the vineyard planted to clone 777. Aged 13 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose offers the essence of black cherries with accents of cardamom spice, dark red rose petals and oak vanillin. Delicious core of fresh black cherry and red raspberry fruits with a hint of exotic spice, savory herbs and cedary oak. The wine is soft and smooth on the palate with pleasing finesse, and finishes with a well-endowed cherry-driven finish. Score: 91. Reviewed October 11, 2013

Winery: Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
From article: Small Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir