Alysian Chardonnay Russian River Selection 2009

THE VISION Gary Farrell sold his very successful “namesake” brand in 2004 with ambitions of “returning to his roots” as a true artisan producer of extremely limited production Pinot Noir wines. In 2007, he partnered with longtime colleagues, Bill Hambrecht and Denise Sanders, to create the ideal winemaking environment for the production of small lot, ultra-premium wines from the cooler reaches of the Russian River Valley. Consistent with Gary’s “no compromise” approach, he equipped his new Westside Road (Healdsburg) facility with the finest tools obtainable; precisely what we would expect from the winemaker who promises to “eclipse” anything he has previously produced during his three decades of winemaking. THE WINES Pinot Noir is the clear focus of this brand, but tiny lots of Chardonnay will also be released under the Alysian label. Gary will remain true to his “signature style” of winemaking by producing fully flavored, acutely balanced wines with a keen focus on elegance and structural integrity. Though critics often reward wines expressing excessive density, extract and alcohol, Gary continues to refute this style, favoring a more sophisticated, structurally correct and age-worthy approach to winemaking. By sourcing grapes that ripen (and reach flavor maturity) at lower sugar levels, Gary is able to produce fully flavored wines possessing lower alcohols and higher natural acidity; resulting in vibrant wines that cellar well and are great companions with food. THE NAME ”Alysian” (of Greek origin) refers to an endeavor arising from intuitive creativity and artistic resolution. Our logo is an ancient mark, commonly referencing a return to one’s center or beginning. Others suggest a far simpler translation; “the journey.” THE VINEYARDS In addition to the obvious contributions of veteran winemaker Gary Farrell, the Alysian wines will have another clear and distinct advantage over most other brands … access to the finest, most reputable vineyards in the Russian River Valley. Gary was one of the very first winemakers to specialize in Russian River Valley Pinot Noir during the mid-1980’s, and his long standing relationships with the region’s most elite growers will result in designated wines from Rochioli, Allen, Starr Ridge, Cresta Ridge, Hallberg and Floodgate vineyards. Read less