Gary Farrell Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2023 (75cl, 13.6%)

Gary Farrell Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2023 is a 13.6% ABV Chardonnay blended from five Russian River Valley vineyard sites in Sonoma County: Westside Farms, Bacigalupi Vineyard, Rochioli, Allen and Olivet Lane. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation, converting malic acids to lactic acids for a creamier mouthfeel while preserving bright acidity. It is a multi-vineyard blend rather than a single-vineyard expression. The nose opens with lemon rind and grapefruit, then ripe nectarine, honeydew melon and honeysuckle, with pressed mint, lemongrass and brioche. The palate is fresh and crisp with Meyer lemon and lime zest, moving to honey, apricot and peach tartlet, with mineral, flinty and briny undertones. The finish is persistent and clean, with lingering citrus and stone fruit.