Gary Farrell Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, Sonoma, California

Fresh cranberry, pomegranate, and tart cherry meet coastal mineral notes, clove, and anise, carried by a silky texture, brisk acidity, and fine-grained tannins. The 2023 Gary Farrell Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is the inaugural release of this cuvée, bringing together Pinot Noir from Gap’s Crown, Lancel Creek, Terra de Promissio, and Durell vineyards to explore the cool, maritime character of the Sonoma Coast. Made during an unusually long and cool growing season under winemaker Theresa Heredia, it extends Gary Farrell’s longstanding focus on vineyard expression into a broader coastal interpretation built around freshness, structure, and precise fruit.

Product Details:

• Winemaker: Theresa Heredia
• Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vineyard Sources: Gap’s Crown, Lancel Creek, Terra de Promissio, and Durell
• Harvest: Hand-harvested during the cool morning hours
• Whole Cluster: Small percentage retained as whole clusters for fermentation
• Cold Soak: 5 days in small open-top tanks
• Fermentation: Inoculated fermentation with extraction managed by punch-downs and pump-overs
• Post-Fermentation Maceration: More than 10 days
• Pressing: Gently pressed in a Bucher basket press
• Élevage: 10 months in French oak barrels, 35% new
• Coopers: Tonnellerie Ô, François Frères, and Jayer Selection
• ABV: 13.6%
• pH: 3.43
• Total Acidity: 6.80 g/L
• Production: 2,860 cases
• Bottled: May 2024
• Released: March 2025

Sensory Description:

Fresh ocean spray and mineral tones frame cranberry, pomegranate, tart cherry, and bright red and blue berries, with clove and anise adding restrained spice. The palate is silky yet firmly defined, balancing vivid fruit with brisk acidity and a fine line of persistent tannin. Raspberry, plum, orange peel, and darker tea-like notes add further dimension, while floral and savory accents lift the fruit through a lingering, focused finish.

Awards & Accolades:

• Wine Enthusiast: 91 Points
• Wine Spectator: 91 Points
• Jeb Dunnuck: 91 Points

Winemaker's Background:

Gary Farrell founded his namesake winery in 1982 and became closely associated with the development of vineyard-designated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Sonoma County. Rather than relying on estate vineyards, the winery has built its portfolio around long-term relationships with distinguished growers, an approach that allows individual sites to remain central to its wines. Theresa Heredia led winemaking from 2012 through the 2024 transition to longtime team member Brent McKoy as Head Winemaker. The 2023 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir was made during Heredia’s tenure and represents the winery’s first appellation-level exploration of the Sonoma Coast, drawing on four vineyard partners influenced by persistent coastal winds and cool growing conditions.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at approximately 15 to 16 degrees Celsius in a Burgundy-style wine glass. A short period of air can help the cranberry, cherry, spice, and savory aromatics unfold when the wine is young. Pair with roast duck, grilled salmon, herb-roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, mushroom dishes, or grilled meats, where the wine’s brisk acidity and fine tannins can balance richer textures while preserving its bright fruit character.