Gary and Debbie Farrell purchased the 23 acre estate now known as Starr Ridge Vineyard in 1996. “We were immediately drawn to this property for its breathtaking beauty and undeniable vineyard potential. The diversity of soil types, rolling topography and cool, breezy Russian River Valley location provided the ideal setting for the cultivation of extraordinary Pinot Noir wine grapes.”

Dijon and Pommard clones were matched to low-vigor rootstocks individually selected for each soil type. A variety of planting densities and watering zones were also incorporated, to best suit the needs of each vineyard block. “Considering fruit from this property would supply our own wine brand, our focus never deviated from maximizing the incredible quality potential of this site.”

Our appellation designate wines are carefully crafted blends from our very finest vineyard properties. Through clonal and geographic diversity, Gary Farrell combines the nuances from multiple cuvees, creating levels of intrigue and complexity not typically obtainable from any single vineyard source. Always among our finest and favorite releases, this wine also benefited from the cool and steady growing season of 2008.

When researching the history of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, there is no more recogniz- able, admired or envied grower than Joe Rochioli. So many have set out to rival his success, but all have fallen short. My relation- ship with him (and access to his grapes) has been the single most important contributor to my success in the wine industry. Considering only Williams Selyem, Gary Farrell, Rochioli and Alysian wineries receive Pinot Noir alloca- tions from his vineyard, we are indeed fortunate and grateful for Joe’s commitment to our new Alysian brand.

When researching the history of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, there is no more recognizable, admired or envied grower than Joe Rochioli. So many have set out to rival his success, but all have fallen short. My relationship with him (and access to his grapes) has been the single most important contributor to my success in the wine industry. Considering only Williams Selyem, Gary Farrell, Rochioli and Alysian wineries receive allocations from his vineyard, we are indeed fortunate and grateful for Joe’s commitment to our new Alysian brand.

Hallberg Vineyard is ideally situated in the Green Valley sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley just north of Sebastopol. This area is highly desirable for Pinot Noir cultivation due to its cool, breezy climate and prized Goldridge sandy-loam soils. Many of the region’s most respected and decorated vineyards reside in this area. This vineyard was developed 10 years ago by Kirk Lokka; one of Sonoma County’s most dedicated and highly skilled viticulturists. His commitment has always been clear…to grow the highest quality fruit possible at any cost. While his fruit is some of the most costly in the region, it is always among the best. This is yet another very important and cherished relationship for the Alysian brand.

Floodgate Vineyard is located in the heart of Russian River Valley’s most coveted Pinot Noir sub appellation known as the Middle Reach. It is here where the region’s most prestigious vineyards reside, and where the most highly acclaimed producers source their fruit. This is one of our estate properties, and the future home of our new production facility. The West Block (planted in 1971) is one of the oldest known plantings of Pinot noir in the Russian River Valley. Though producing less than one ton per acre, winemaker Gary Farrell insists the vineyard be preserved … not only for its historical significance, but the astounding quality and impeccable structure of wines produces from these old vines.

Floodgate Vineyard is located in the heart of Russian River Valley’s most coveted Pinot Noir sub appellation known as the Middle Reach. It is here where the region’s most prestigious vineyards reside, and where the most highly acclaimed producers source their fruit. This is one of our estate properties, and the future home to our new production facility.

Rock Hill (Block 16) is a tiny block planted in 2000 on one of the rockiest knolls on the property. Though vigor is low in these difficult soils, winemaker Gary Farrell feels this could be one of the finest locations within Floodgate Vineyard for the cultivation of exceptional Pinot Noir wines.

Gary and Debbie Farrell purchased the 23 acre estate now known as Starr Ridge Vineyard in 1996. “We were immediately drawn to this property for its breathtaking beauty and undeniable vineyard potential,” Gary explains. “The diversity of soil types, rolling topography and cool, breezy Russian River Valley location provided the ideal setting for the cultivation of extraordinary Pinot Noir wine grapes.” Dijon and Pommard clones were matched to low-vigor rootstocks individually selected for each soil type. A variety of planting densities and watering zones were also incorporated, to best suit the needs of each vineyard block. “Considering fruit from this property would supply our own wine brand, our focus never deviated from maximizing the incredible quality potential of this site.”

Our appellation designate wines are carefully crafted blends from our very finest vineyard properties. Through clonal and geographic diversity, our winemaker combines the nuances from multiple cuvees, creating levels of intrigue and complexity not typically obtainable from a single vineyard source. Always among our favorite releases, this wine was graced by what many consider the finest Russian River Valley vintage in over two decades.

When researching the history of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, there is no more recognizable, admired or envied grower than Joe Rochioli. So many have set out to rival his success, but all have fallen short. My relationship with him (and access to his grapes) has been the single most important contributor to my success in the wine industry. Considering only Williams Selyem, Gary Farrell, Rochioli and Alysian wineries receive allocations from his vineyard, we are indeed fortunate and grateful for Joe’s commitment to our new Alysian brand.