92+ Point Rave Reviews | Ken’sWineGuide.com
We are excited to share these latest reviews from KensWineGuide.com, home of the Internet’s most comprehensive wine buying guide. Reviews by Ken and the KWG tasting panel will help you find that perfect bottle of wine for any occasion. Ken’s Wine Guide consolidates professional ratings from six of the leading wine rating publications and highlights notable wines, restaurants, wineries, places to stay and other wine fun for novices and enthusiasts alike. Enjoy!
2019 Gary Farrell Chardonnay “Durell Vineyard”
Vintage: 2019
KWG Score: 94 (based on 2 reviews)
Ken’s Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93)
Review date: June 13, 2022
Wine Review: This deep gold colored Chardonnay from the Durell Vineyard opens with a pear and oak bouquet with hints of apple cider must, vanilla, and mango. On the palate, this wine is medium plus bodied with medium acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced and bright. The flavor profile is a stony minerality and Anjou pear blend with notes of chamomile tea and oak. We also detected hints of almond, pineapple, and lime zest. The finish is dry, and its flavors and acidity linger and last for a while. The Tasting Panel would pair this Chard with baked halibut or with Rachael Ray’s Seafood Newburg. Enjoy – KWGTP
Winemaker Notes: Peach blossom, nectarine, roasted Meyer lemon and honeycomb aromas precede a surprisingly decadent and unctuous palate experience. Layers of Chamomile, baked pear, Bourbon vanilla panna cotta and Limoncello develop into a long, silky, and voluptuous, yet snappy finish.
2019 Gary Farrell Chardonnay “Rochioli Vineyard”
Vintage: 2019
KWG Score: 93 (based on 1 review)
Ken’s Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93)
Review date: June 15, 2022
Wine Review: This medium gold colored Chardonnay from Gary Farrell opens with a mild pear, vanilla, and oak bouquet a touch of butterscotch and mango. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with nicely integrated acidity. The mouthfeel is nicely balanced, gentle, smooth, and clean. The flavor profile is tasty ripe Anjou pear and mild chalky minerality blend with hints of pineapple. The finish is dry and is flavors and fine acidity drift away nicely. The Tasting Panel would pair this refined Chard with a broiled scallops with a lemon. Enjoy – KWGTP
Winemaker Notes: Lush and inviting, this offering from the Rochioli vineyard presents a wealth of stone fruits, crème brulee, and vanilla paste that is set along a backdrop of climbing flowers. Fresh lemon zest provides a brilliant counterpoint, inviting further exploration. The palate is precise and balanced, with tangy citrus flavors that integrate seamlessly throughout the mid-palate, contributing to an exceptionally long, mouthwatering finish.
2019 Gary Farrell Chardonnay “Olivet Lane Vineyard”
Vintage: 2019
KWG Score: 92.5 (based on 2 reviews)
Ken’s Wine Rating: Very Good+ (92)
Review date: June 12, 2022
Wine Review: This pale gold colored Chardonnay opens with a golden delicious apple and pineapple bouquet with hints of white peach and lemongrass. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with medium acidity. The mouthfeel is bright and lively for a Chard. The flavor profile is chalky minerality, green apple and pineapple with notes of apricot, lemon, and pie crust. We also picked up some hints of almond and a touch of oak in the mix. The finish is dry and refreshing. The Tasting Panel would pair this fresh Chard with a chicken francese. Enjoy – KWGTP
Winemaker Notes: The lovely bouquet offers enticing, complex aromas of Meyer lemon, stone fruit, graphite, honeysuckle, lemongrass and baked pear tart. The first sip is succulent and tangy, while the mid-palate is zesty and oily with lots of verve. This incredibly fresh, energetic Chardonnay finishes with a pop of acidity and perfectly silky, mouthcoating phenolics. The ensuing rich, creamy texture lingers on the tongue long after the wine is gone.
2019 Gary Farrell Chardonnay “Ritchie Vineyard”
Vintage: 2019
KWG Score: 92.5 (based on 1 review)
Ken’s Wine Rating: Very Good+ (92.5)
Review date: June 19, 2022
Wine Review: This deep gold colored Chardonnay from the Ritchie Vineyard opens with a fragrant pineapple and Bosc pear bouquet with hints of oak and lemon verbena. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with integrated medium acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, delicate, and refined. The flavor profile is a gentle chalky minerality and green apple blend with notes of saline and Anjou pear. We also picked up some hints of lemon verbena and vanilla. The finish is dry and is flavors and acidity drift away nicely. The Tasting Panel would pair this impressive and food friendly Chard with coquilles St. Jacques. Enjoy – KWGTP
Winemaker Notes: Honeysuckle, Meyer Lemon, nectarine, and Chamomile tea unfold initially, leading to richer, bolder aromas of honey and crème brûlée, all with a perfect hint of flintiness. Concentrated flavors of pear tart, lemon curd, lime zest and toasty brioche meld together seamlessly with the mineral backbone. Finishes with a tangy pop of acidity and a beautiful, creamy texture that lingers on the palate.
2018 Gary Farrell Pinot Noir “Martaella Vineyard”
Vintage: 2018
KWG Score: 94.2 (based on 2 reviews)
Ken’s Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93.5)
Review date: June 16, 2022
Wine Review: This medium ruby colored Pinot Noir opens with a very inviting ripe black cherry and black raspberry bouquet with a hint of vanilla. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with medium acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, smooth, fresh, bright, and juicy. The flavor profile is a tasty blend of black raspberry tea and stony minerality along with some notes of cherry. The finish is dry and its favors and tannins drift away nicely. This Pinot benefits and develops with some aeration. Once decanted, the Tasting Panel would pair this Pinot with a filet mignon. Enjoy – KWGTP
Winemaker Notes: Offering up a vibrant and complex bouquet of boysenberry, plum, pomegranate, coriander and a hint of cedar spice, this wine is full-bodied and incisive, with a perfect balance of concentrated fruit, tangy acidity, and a long, mouth-coating finish, with firm, age worthy tannins. This Martaella is a fantastic example of both vintage and site that together express a tremendous amount of verve and unique fruit intensity. Although impressive now, it really starts to open up with a few hours of air, so enjoy now but be sure to save one for few more years.
2018 Gary Farrell Pinot Noir “Fort Ross Vineyard”
Vintage: 2018
KWG Score: 92 (based on 1 review)
Ken’s Wine Rating: Very Good+ (92)
Review date: June 14, 2022
Wine Review: This pale ruby colored Pinot Noir opens with a black cherry and black raspberry bouquet with hints of oak and caramel. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with medium plus acidity. The mouthfeel balanced, bright and savory. The flavor profile is loam and black plum blend with notes of stony minerality and strawberry licorice. We also pick up some hints of cranberry and black raspberry tea in the mix. The finish is dry, and its flavors and acidity are nicely extended. The Tasting Panel would pair this Pinot with grilled steak tips. Enjoy – KWGTP
Winemaker Notes: Beautifully pure in its essence, Bing cherry, strawberry reduction, and wild raspberries bounce effortlessly from the glass. Fresh cut roses, hints of lavender, and jasmine tea slowly unfold with each swirl. Generous layers of citrus oil and dried tobacco provide balance to the myriad of aromas and boundless texture of this stunning wine from the Sonoma Coast.
2018 Gary Farrell Pinot Noir “Rochioli Vineyard”
Vintage: 2018
KWG Score: 93.8 (based on 3 reviews)
Ken’s Wine Rating: Very Good+ (92.5)
Review date: June 21, 2022
Wine Review: This medium ruby colored Pinot Noir opens with a wild strawberry bouquet with hints of sautéed mushrooms, soy, and black cherry. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with integrated medium acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, round and juicy. The flavor profile is red raspberry tea and clementine blend with notes of stony minerality and stewed black plum. We also detected hints of cherry and oak. The finish is dry and its mild tannins, flavors, and acidity drift away nicely. The Tasting Panel would pair this Pinot with roast duck. Enjoy – KWGTP
Winemaker Notes: Concentrated aromas of black cherry, cranberry, and pomegranate flow onto the palate that is supported by a vibrant acidity, silky tannins, and a strikingly full mouthfeel. Underlying tones of climbing flowers, anise, and mint further deepen the complexity of this classic representation of Rochioli fruit. This is a complete wine that is approachable now, but will continue to develop and reward with careful cellaring.
2018 Gary Farrell Pinot Noir “Gap’s Crown Vineyard”
Vintage: 2018
KWG Score: 94 (based on 2 reviews)
Ken’s Wine Rating: Excellent (94)
Review date: June 28, 2022
Wine Review: This medium ruby colored Pinot Noir from Gary Farrell opens with a ripe blueberry and wild strawberry bouquet. On the palate, this wine is full bodied with plus acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, round and savory. The flavor profile is stewed black plum and stony minerality blend with notes of dried herbs and clove. We also detected hints of hints of black raspberry, black cherry, and oak. The finish is dry, and its flavors and moderate fine-grained tannins linger and last for quite a while. The Tasting Panel would pair this Pinot with beef carpaccio. Enjoy – KWGTP
Winemaker Notes: Displaying a dark ruby hue, this offering from Gaps’ Crown vineyard abounds in lush aromas of black cherry, ripe raspberries, tobacco leaf, and toasty cedar. Floral elements of crushed violets and rose petals lend an air of mystery. Broad upon entry, intense fruit flavors and firm tannins integrate seamlessly and deliver a powerful finish that is a hallmark of this formidable Pinot Noir.
