Beginning in the late 1970s,GaryFarrellwas working with seminal Russian River Valley vintners such as Davis Bynum, Joe Rochioli, Tom Dehlinger and Robert Stemmler – a group that was instrumental in showcasing the world-class Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays of the nascent Russian River Valley AVA, a breathtaking, redwood-studded wine region 55 miles north of San Francisco whose mighty river cuts a scenic swath through the heart of Sonoma County. He made his first wine under theGaryFarrelllabel in 1982 and built the winery into one of the most acclaimed producers of small-lot Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in the Russian River Valley.

This gorgeous Pinot Noir opens with seductive aromas of cherry liquor, sweet tobacco, fresh fennel, rose petal and boysenberry preserves. The broad, youthful, tangy, yet complex palate offers juicy flavors of blood orange, sour cherry jam, tamarind, raspberry jerk sauce, with a hint of savory green plantains. The firm tannins and tangy acidity create a full-bodied texture, lending to the incredibly long, spicy finish.