2015 Gary Farrell Pinot Noir McDonald Mountain Vineyard
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I loved the complexity of the 2015 Pinot Noir McDonald Mountain Vineyard, another Russian River release from this estate that’s well worth checking out. Blackberries, pomegranates, smoked earth, and sous bois notes all give way to a tight, vibrant, racy Pinot Noir that has good acidity and tannins, but is going to need 2-3 years of bottle age to show its full potential. This cuvée was mostly destemmed and spent 16 months in 40% new French oak. The McDonald Mountain Vineyard is located in a cool area near the border of the Russian River Valley and Petaluma Gap. These Gary Farrell releases are made by Theresa Heredia. They’re classic, well-made wines across the board.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
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Pale to medium garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Pinot Noir MacDonald Mountain Vineyard is scented of black cherry pie, warm mulberries and red plums with touches of spice box and dried herbs. Medium-bodied with a firm frame of chewy tannins and a crisp acid line, it has youthful black berry layers and a touch of cracked pepper defining the finish. 90 cases were made.