2002 Pinot Noir - Sonoma County / Russian River Valley

GRAPE SOURCE
When Gary began producing wines under the "Gary Farrell" label in 1982, he produced only Pinot Noir from the Rochioli and Allen vineyards in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. "Critically acclaimed" Pinot Noirs from California were quite rare at this time, and many suggested that his decision to focus on this varietal was not well founded. What Gary knew then and what many know now, is that there may be no better place in the country to grow Pinot Noir. In fact, some of the most decorated Pinot Noirs of the past decade have been produced from the vineyards used in his initial 1982 offering.

Today, wineries from all regions of California are frantically attempting to secure Pinot Noir grapes from this area. Fortunately, Gary has secured some of the finest sources of fruit obtainable from this appellation, and continues to be a leader among critics with this varietal. This wine, our 2002 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, is crafted from some of the region’s most highly sought after vineyards, and its classic lines, supple and elegant texture, fabulous depth of fruit and impeccable structure explain why great Pinot Noirs from the Russian River Valley have become so popular.

WINEMAKING
Varietal wines produced from more than one vineyard often create more interesting and complete wines than those produced from a single vineyard. While we often bottle single vineyard designated wines, we take equal pride in our wines crafted from multiple vineyards. This wine is an example of how the many individual vineyard nuances express themselves in harmony with one another ? creating a more complex and intriguing wine. This is a deep, rich and intense wine, with a wonderful array of fruit flavors centered around a complex core of dark cherry, wild berry and plum. The lavish, spicy oak elements compliment and add depth but never overpower the tremendous palate of fruit. The finish is long, clean and refreshing.

WINEMAKER'S NOTES
These grapes were harvested during late August and September of 2002 with an average sugar content of 23.8 degrees brix, .82 gm/100 ml total titratable acidity and 3.41 pH.

Alcohol: 13.8%
Case Production: 6016
Acid/pH: 0.67/3.42