When Gary Farrell began his namesake winery he already knew where the best place to grow and produce premium Pinot Noir was, his Russian River AVA backyard. He was producing high-quality Pinot from the region for years before it actually became an AVA, showcasing the dozens of microclimates found within the nooks and pockets of the region.

From a blend of premium fruit from vineyards dotted throughout the Russian River, Gary Farrell Russian River Pinot Noir ($45) brings together all that is good about Russian River Pinot with an earthy, juicy, and luscious palate, concentrated, nicely structured core, and a silky, velvety finish. A textbook-style Pinot that showcases the best of the fruit, and the place. Aromatic and inviting, the wine opens with layers of violets and rose, soft herbs, giving way to toasted notes of sweet clove and nutmeg, cedar, and ripe blue and black fruits, black tea, and a hint of dark chocolate.