2012 Gary Farrell Russian River Valley Selection Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.60, 9,206 cases, $45. Released May 2014. Sourced from 9 top vineyards in the Russian River Valley. Harvest Brix 23-24º. 100% de-stemmed, 5 to 7-day cold soak, 10 to 15-day extended maceration post fermentation. Inoculated for malolactic fermentation and aged for 8 months in 35% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromatically gifted with aromas of black cherry, spice, cardamom and chile spices and subtle oak. Soft in the mouth and very tasty, featuring dark cherry and black raspberry flavors underlain with oak. A bit exotic tasting for a Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. The tannins are in line and the wine is driven by electric acidity which is a Gary Farrell trademark. Easy to like. Score: 90. Reviewed July 19, 2014

Winery: Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay & Outliers