Gary Farrell Allen Vineyard Pinot Noir 2002
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Our Allen Vineyard Pinot Noirs have been some of our most awarded and highly acclaimed wines of the past decade. However we only produce the Allen Vineyard designates in the most exceptional of vintages. For example, we did not produce an Allen Vineyard Pinot Noir in 1989, 1993, 1996 or 2000. After tasting this wine, I trust you will agree that some things are well worth waiting for!
Many of you may not know that the Allen vineyard is leased and farmed by the Rochioli family, and can therefore technically be labeled "Rochioli Vineyard." In addition the obvious considerations of meticulous farming, location, climate and soil, there may be another factor which contributes to the success of wines produced from the Allen and Rochioli vineyards. These vineyards may be among the oldest vineyards in the Russian River Valley to be planted to the one of the highly desirable "Pommard" clones. Conversely, the vast majority of Pinot Noir vines planted in California during this time were "Martini" clone … a sparkling wine clone not well suited for still red wine production.
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Imagine a winemaking region just hours north of San Francisco rich in diversity and distinctive terroir, a well-kept secret tucked amongst the towering redwoods and influenced by the Pacific Ocean. Over half a century ago, pioneering growers recognized the Russian River Valley as a place that just might produce Pinot Noir that rivaled the villages of Burgundy. After decades of winemaking and selective planting, their valley has become internationally known for producing Pinot that is distinctly American and reflects the natural influences of their terroir.
Gary Farrell Winemaker, Theresa Heredia, grape growers and other winemakers within the Russian River Valley have always recognized that certain regions of the valley produced distinctly different wines. Since the 2014 Vintage, they have been monitoring whether characteristics like aroma, texture and others can be attributed to specific sections of the Valley. This deep dive into Russian River Pinot Noir has become the Neighborhoods Initiative that is also a hallmark of their Single Vineyard winemaking, and their elevated Salon experiences.
The concept of a neighborhood is truly an American idea, and is more concerned with defining the characteristics a specific cluster of vineyards produce than defining the geographical boundaries. It’s both a sense of community and terroir at the same time
While the Russian River Valley is a large appellation with multiple climate zones and soil types, it is best known for cool-climate varieties, with Pinot Noir as the most celebrated. The grapes benefit from a reliable late afternoon flow of Pacific Ocean fog through the Petaluma Gap and along the Russian River Valley that ensures slow and steady ripening and the preservation of grape acidity. Today many of California’s most highly regarded Pinot Noir vineyards are in the Russian River Valley, along with its sub-appellation, Green Valley.
Historically Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs had bright red fruit and delicate earthy, mineral notes. But changes in viticultural and winemaking practices have led to stylistic changes in some of the region’s wines. Adjustments to canopy management, among other techniques, have resulted in riper fruit and bolder wines as well. These show flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice and darker, loamy earth tones, accenting traditional Pinot Noir notes of strawberry, raspberry and light cherry.