Gary Duke

Gary Farrell

Grist Vineyard Zinfandel 2021

From a very old vineyard. Medium color saturation. I love the nose: classic Dry Creek Zin scents of exceedingly pure spicy blackberry juice, a bit of dark raspberry, and warm sandstoney gravel. Really nice balance on the palate. Surprisingly lip-smacking acidity zips along the somewhat austere (for a Zin) and minerally flavors. Structured almost like a left bank Bordeaux. I really like this . . . but . . . it’s just a tad leaner and more reserved on the palate than my ideal. That said, this will age slowly for a Zin and would pair with a wide variety of meals. Only 14.5% alc., mercifully. 9.1 for now but may go a bit higher in a few years. — a day ago

Brian liked this

Gary Farrell

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2021

Great RRV Pinot with cherry and dark berries mixed with a touch of floral smoke. Delicious but I much prefer Willamette PNs from OR which are generally less expensive and earthy bodied. — 5 months ago

Karl Lawrence

Reserve Gary Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Tons of fruit — a year ago

Ira, Ron and 1 other liked this

Gary Farrell

Rochioli-Allen Vineyards Chardonnay 2020

Needs an hour of air then it’s lean and clean. 13.3%. Pear, apple , citrus, some herbs. No wonky oak or butter. Very nice. Would never guess RRV. Pair with wild mushrooms and polenta. — 17 days ago

Tom, Pinotman and 1 other liked this

Trujillo

Gary Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Exceptional wine - elegant Rutherford intensity with Trujillo finesse. Black cherry, cassis, black plum, violet, bramble, hints of vanilla and cedar, it’s just starting to show cigar box, tobacco, and forest floor. The wine is dense but elegant with considerable finesse. The fruit is still forward but beginning to show tertiary character. Silky tannins and acidity balanced with the fruit. Beautiful now with at least ten more years ahead of it. Awesome wine. — 2 months ago

Tom, David and 2 others liked this

Blandy's

Duke of Clarence Rich Madeira

Dark amber. Treacle, toffee, and tangelo on the inviting nose and full, rich palate. "Rich" meaning "sweet," of course, but well balanced with medium, citrusy acidity. Naturally, a lengthy finish. You got cheese? Nuts? Dried fruit? Here's your fourth for dessert. Drink now through whenever. — 8 months ago

Bob, Daniel and 2 others liked this

Gary Farrell

Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay 2020

Melon/pear. Restraint. Nice weight. Enough acid. Hint of caramel on the finish. Very tasty. — 3 days ago

Pinotman and Tom liked this

Gary Farrell

Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019

Smooth. A little bitter. — 2 months ago

Gary Farrell

Toboni Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013

Very nice, blackberries, restrained tannins — 7 months ago

Gary Farrell

Russian River Selection Chardonnay 2021

Delectable Wine
9.2

The 2021 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) is super-expressive right out of the gate. Tangerine oil, lemon confit, chamomile, spice and lightly honeyed notes all run through this creamy, inviting Russian River Chardonnay from Gary Farrell. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, July 2024)
— a year ago