By Dwight Casimere
The Russian River Valley is one of the most interesting and distinct wine growing areas of Sonoma County. With its rich volcanic soil and varied microclimates, it can produce dramatically different results in grapes grown just a few acres from each other. That’s why Gary Farrell drew on grapes from some of the region’s top vineyards to create the blend for its most recent iteration of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($45).
Rochioli and Bacigalupi vineyards located in the Middle Reach subdivision provided balance, with grapes exposed to foggy mornings, warm sunny days and cool nights, the ‘perfect storm’ for growth that is characteristic of the Russian River Valley. Martoella vineyard on the Santa Rosa Plain is the foggier, cooler sub-region, while the Halliberg and McDonald Mountains Vineyards within the Green Valley and neighboring Sebastopol Hill, are home to even more extreme climate conditions that stress the vines. Blending of grapes from these disparate regions produces a wine of exceptional expression and variety.
Richness, purity and elegance are the hallmarks of Gary Farrell’s newest release, 2020 Russian River Selection Pinot Noir.
This is a gorgeous wine with compelling notes of vibrant cherries and rose petals on the nose and flavors of black raspberries, wild strawberries and hints of coriander spice on the finish. Its lip-smacking acidity and velvety tannins make it a perfect companion to some ripe Stilton or Humboldt Fog cheese, followed by an Arugula salad with crushed pecans and balsamic and a main course of Prime Aged Steak marinated in course Himalayan Salt and a rub of cumin, star anise or clove and crushed peppercorns. Passed lightly over a hot grill with coals dusted with mesquite or hickory chips, the result is a perfect flavor pairing with this exquisite wine.
Don’t hesitate to experiment. A flank roasted side of Wild Caught Salmon or Ocean Char also makes for a terrific pairing.
Fall weather invites a myriad of interesting flavor combinations for vegetarians with the abundance of fresh squashes and hearty greens such as kale and collards and assorted root vegetables such as multi-colored carrots and potatoes, parsnips, turnips, radishes, and others that are the bounty of the season. Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir provides the perfect impetus to begin a journey of culinary exploration.
For more, visit garyfarrellwnery.com.
