Gary Farrell Winery
Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019
Russian River Valley, California
Named for its previous owners, the 100-acre Hallberg Vineyard is today owned and managed by wine industry veterans including vineyard manager Kirk Lokka. Nestled in the Green Valley sub-appellation, the site enjoys refreshing daytime breezes and cool nighttime temperatures. The strong marine influence means less severe daily temperature shifts so the vines never completely shut down, producing fruit with deep, dark color, great structure, silky tannins, darker fruit flavors and earthy characteristics. This blend is a composition of many of the best blocks on this cool, foggy vineyard site, which include clones 667, 777, 828, Pommard and a mysterious “suitcase” selection.
VINEYARD
The Hallberg Vineyard is located in the Green Valley AVA. This cooler sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley benefits from refreshing daytime breezes and cool, but not cold, nighttime temperatures. Additionally, a strong marine-influenced climate results in smaller diurnal fluctuations (less severe temperature change from day to night and warmer nighttime temperatures) that provides an ideal ripening environment. The soils in this vineyard are Goldridge series sand loam soils that exhibit excellent drainage and low soil fertility, serving to keep vines low in vigor. The use of high density vine spacing (1x2m) promotes excellent vine balance and development of grape flavors, structure, and concentration. Lastly, this vineyard is dry farmed so that the vines are more naturally in balance, creating a wine with a pure expression of this unique terroir.
WINEMAKING
Grapes were harvested in the morning hours then brought to the winery. After hand sorting, some of the grapes were de-stemmed, then transferred to open-top tanks while a small percentage of the fruit was added later as whole clusters. The juice was chilled to 45°F and allowed to cold soak for 4-7 days before fermentation. During fermentation, the cap was gently punched down 2-3 times per day. After fermentation, the new wine and its solids sat in tank for 7-10 days of extended maceration, a period during which the tannins soften and the primary fermentation esters develop complexity. The wine was then gently pressed off the skins and seeds, inoculated for malolactic fermentation and racked into 40% new French oak barrels (light and medium toast François Frères, Ana Selection, Remond and Tonnellerie O) for 15 months of barrel aging on primary lees.
VINTAGE
After record-breaking rainfall in late February, causing major flooding in the areas surrounding the Russian River, a relatively cool spring followed, delaying bud break into mid to late March. The delayed onset and cool temperatures would predict the beginning of harvest at a more typical date, compared to a few past vintages. The month of May brought more heavy rains. Thankfully, the cold temperatures and delayed start of bud break meant that bloom was later as well, and only a few vineyards had started to produce flowers, so damage to the crop was minimal. Summer temperatures were perfect and mild. By June, growers began to see that a big crop was forming. Come July, veraison was under way and growers had to drop lots of unevenly ripening clusters on several occasions. Despite the quantity of clusters per vine, flavor, concentration and tannin levels were quite excellent. Canopy management was extremely important in that fruit thinning was necessary at multiple stages of vine development.
TASTING NOTE
This stunning Hallberg exudes cool climate Pinot Noir aromatics of Mullberry, Bay Laurel, Fennel, Satsuma zest and fresh cedar. The palate opens with vibrant flavors of Bing cherry compote, cassis and Hibiscus, followed by earthy tamarind and Oolong tea. The finish is velvety and seductive, yet tangy, with ample acidity to offer years of age in the bottle. A beautiful example of dry farmed Pinot Noir from a cool Coastal climate. – Winemaker Theresa Heredia
Color
Red
Grape Varieties
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Russian River Valley, California
Alcohol
14.1%
Suggested Retail Price
$55
Reviews
"Blood orange and raspberry coulis"
Wine Spectator - September 13, 2023 "Sleek and refined, with understated blood orange and raspberry coulis notes dusted with incense and savory accents. Ends with a light sanguine echo. Pretty." J.M 9/23
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