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| Gary Farrell has been making small lots of vineyard designated Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the Russian River since 1978, first at Rochioli and Davis Bynum, then under his own label. Slowly and methodically, Gary increased production of his brand, and in 1998 began construction on what many experts consider the region’s finest Pinot Noir production facilities. He continued growing the business, eventually selling his very successful namesake brand and winery in 2004.
Gary’s new project has an annual production of 3500 cases. "Just right" says Gary, enabling him to remain connected to his love of winemaking without having to deal with the day-to-day drudgery of running a large commercial winery. His inaugural releases from the highly touted 2007 vintage feature vineyard designates from Rochioli, Allen, and Floodgate.
"Alysian" (of Greek origin) refers to an endeavor arising from intuitive creativity and artistic resolution. The logo is an ancient mark, commonly referencing a return to one’s center or beginning. Others suggest a far simpler translation; "the journey." |
| Alysian Website |
| Cresta Ridge Chardonnay |
| Purchased and developed by Gary & Debbie Farrell in 1999, Cresta Ridge Vineyard is highly coveted for its cool, Green Valley location and highly desirable Goldridge soils. The “no expense spared” approach to development, included matching devigorating rootstocks with low-yielding clones and close vine-spacing; “stressing” the plants into producing small quantities of very high quality fruit. This project has proven successful, with 90+ rated wines commonplace year after year from this vineyard. Gary selected fruit from his favorite section of the vineyard (Taurin) Block) for this release.
Fermentation 100% barrel fermented 50% ML fermentation (in barrel) Yeast: Four cultured strains Duration: 12 days Barrel Program 100% French oak Francois Freres, Rousseau 40% new 60% one and two year old 10 months in barrel Production: 378 cases Winemaker's notes Bearing the Cresta Ridge designation preempts lofty expectations … and this wine delivers. Signature minerality combines seamlessly with fresh lime and green apple to create a wine which is exceptionally vibrant, while also expressing great depth, intensity and length. Subtle background notes of oak and lees quietly enhance the near-perfect fruit contribution of this exceptional Russian River Valley / Green Valley property. |
| Pinot Noir Russian River |
| VINEYARDS AND CLONES Floodgate RRV Vineyard: Martini clone 13, Dijon clones 667, 777 Rochioli Vineyard: Pommard clone 4, Dijon clone 115 Allen Vineyard: Dijon clone 777 Starr Ridge Vineyard: Dijon clones 115, 777 Hallberg Vineyard: Dijon clones 777, 828 Toboni Vineyard: Dijon clones 667, 777 Cold fruit processed early AM, hand sorted prior to stem removal and then again after stem removal FERMENTATION Tanks: Small open tops Cold soak: 3-5 days Yeast: Wild and cultured Mixing: 3 punch downs daily Duration: 9-11 days BARREL PROGRAM 100% French oak Francois Freres, Rousseau, 45% new ML fermentation in barrel 10 months in barrel FINISHED WINE Alcohol: 14.2% by volume Production: 1,524 cases (9 liter equivalent) WINEMAKER NOTES Alluring scents of lavender, blueberry and spice lead to cascading flavors of dark berries, pomegranate and wild plum. Flavors continue to build and intensify on the palate, and though blackberry/raspberry fruit remains the focus, spice and lavish oak elements add amazing depth and richness to the experience. It’s the finish, however, that ultimately substantiates the wine’s credibility; as correct tannins and crisp acidity provide the structural integrity and balance required for long-term cellaring and a refreshing, vibrant finish. |
| Pinot Noir Floodgate Vineyard |
| Bill and Sally Hambrecht purchased this Forestville property in 1999. It is located in an area of Russian River Valley referred to as the “Middle Reach,” where the regions most prestigious vineyards reside. The West Block (planted in the early-1970’s) is one of the oldest known plantings of pinot noir in California. Though producing less than one ton per acre, winemaker Gary Farrell insists the vineyard be preserved … not only for its historical significance, but the astounding quality and impeccable structure of wines produced from these thirty five year old vines.
FERMENTATION Tanks: Small open tops Cold soak: 4 days Yeast: Wild and cultured Mixing: 3 punch downs daily Duration: 11 days BARREL PROGRAM 100% French oak Francois Freres, Rousseau 50% new, 35% one year old, 15% two year old ML fermentation in barrel 13 months in barrel FINISHED WINE Alcohol: 14.3% by volume Production: 444 cases (9 liter equivalent) WINEMAKER NOTES The youthful, purple-tinged color of this wine hints of its adolescence; as do the incredibly deep aromas of violet, fresh blackberry and dark stone fruits. On the palate, wild berry and black cherry flavors expand and become quite exotic; with nuances of enriching oak and spice. The vineyard’s contribution of structure becomes quite evident as the flavors build with vibrant, precise acidity and supportive fine-grain tannins. Though enjoyable now for its youthful, uninhibited charms, this wine promises a tremendous future for those who resist the temptation of early consumption. |
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