2018 Gary Farrell Chardonnay Russian River Selection 750 ml

Wine Enthusiast was right when they wrote, “This wine offers such tremendous value and quality—it should be on everyone's go-to list for Russian River Valley Chardonnay.” But it’s not just among Russian River bottlings that the “detailed” and “lengthy” Gary Farrell Selection stands out. This puts all of Sonoma on notice. 

It’s no surprise, really. Few names carry the weight of Gary Farrell, a perennial Wine Access member-favorite. Since 1982, the winery has been a standard-bearer for Sonoma class, earning a spot on Wine & Spirits' Top 100 Wineries list in 2019 and 2020. The 95-point 2018 is a showpiece bottling that points to this impressive legacy, delivering an irresistible combination of richness, elegance, and cool-climate vibrancy at half the cost of its peers. 

The ripe notes of grilled pineapple, peach, honeysuckle, and Meyer lemon begin in some of the Russian River Valley’s most coveted vineyards, as Gary Farrell winemaker Theresa Heredia has access to fruit most winemakers can only dream of.

Rochioli Vineyard, bottled by the likes of David Ramey ($71), kicks off the sumptuous 2018, contributing profound concentration and depth, while Allen Vineyard Chardonnay, also sourced by Williams Selyem ($95), provides full-bodied structure and weight. Bacigalupi Vineyard’s famed Chardonnay adds floral aromatics and decadent peach, while grapes from fog-shrouded Westside Farms—also released by Ramey for a cool $70—provide the perfectly balanced foundation of the 2018 Gary Farrell Russian River Selection.

In the cellar, Heredia takes things to the next level, coaxing buttery California richness and crème caramel from perfect Chardonnay berries while seamlessly integrating subtle oak spice. 

Heredia, who cut her teeth in Burgundy before running Freestone Winery for Joseph Phelps, has a deft touch with Chardonnay. When she came on board at Gary Farrell, her Côte de Beaune expertise was immediately evident: She instituted the use of native yeasts and ushered in an era of grace, acidity, and freshness.

The 95-point 2018 is one of hundreds of top scores in her heralded portfolio. For the members who already love Heredia and this Wine Access-favorite estate, this is yet another cause for celebration… and cellar stuffing. There’s no better option for definitive Russian River—or Sonoma County—Chardonnay.