($35):  Gary Farrell is well-known for producing excellent single-vineyard Pinot Noirs.  They also produce a bevy of single-vineyard Chardonnays.  This one, however, their Russian River Selection, is a blend of Chardonnay grown in five vineyards: Westside Farms, Bacigalupi Vineyard, Rochioli, Allen and Olivet Lane.  It is a wonderful expression of Russian River Valley Chardonnay with just the right amount of richness anchored by riveting citrus-like acidity.  In short, it’s easy to describe this Chardonnay in one word, yummy!  You’ve heard this from me before, but it needs to be repeated: Its 13.3 percent stated alcohol demonstrates that you don’t need super ripe grapes to make a super wine.
93 Michael Apstein Oct 27, 2020