Uncorked: How can wine from the same valley have so many taste variations? | Dining

I invited neighbors to this Farrell vineyard-specific tasting to listen to from the winemaker, pattern the wines and see if visitor may pinpoint stylistic variations.

Give it some thought: Similar Russian River Valley location. Similar 2017 classic. Similar varietals. Similar winemaker. Similar harvest circumstances.

The distinction? They have been grown on totally different parcels influenced by their native land. Even inside these vineyards, there are distinctive variations in micro-climate and terrain.

Gary Farrell Vineyards and Vineyard — based in 1982 — chooses its grapes from 36 unbiased vineyards so its massive portfolio of wines can range. The Farrell model is iconic in California. I liken its chardonnays and pinots to a Burgundian model.

So, may on a regular basis fans detect variations and describe aromas and flavors? You guess. Positive, we haggled over when plum, cherry, black raspberry, caramel, clove, vanilla, violet, cola, lavender, cranberry, pomegranate, black tea, mushroom, licorice, strawberry, blueberry and smoke have been extra outstanding in particular person pinot noirs.

One chardonnay was creamier, one other minerals in a glass, one other exhibiting elevated acids. Stone fruit in some, tropical fruit in one other, citrus notes throughout.

Did we agree on the profile of every? No. Everybody’s perceptions are totally different.