Mission Codename Heeeeellberg
“Theresa Heredia specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and continues to produce wines that exhibit complexity and elegance.” – Wine Enthusiast
Remember those Gary Farrell Chardonnays from a couple of weeks ago? We blew through those and went back to the winery for more. Alas, they asked if we would be happy with a Pinot next.
Guess what we said? Helllll yeah.
And not just ANY Pinot, but a single vineyard example with accolades from the pros. And is it really $70, as that’s what you’ll find it for elsewhere? Hellll no. Slash it by a proper 60% off to get it down comfortably below $30, where it makes no sense not to pile up on it by the case. Look online, from a low $57 to a high $80 is all you’ll see for this beauty, far, FAR away from where we got it down for ya today. See what I’m sayin’?
And Hallberg. Such a staple Russian River site! Etude, Emeritus, EnRoute, Scherrer are who we can think of boasting this vineyard… probably a few other boutique producers we missed. And that’s it.
Dark and milk chocolate-coated cherries, mulberries, and black raspberries, with nuances of violets and spearmint, too. The medium-bodied palate is packed with juicy red and black berry flavors, textured by soft tannins and finishing with a savory, herbal lift. Long and complex. Quintessential Russian River at its delicate finest.
On CellarTracker, this review touched us lucky souls who live in the heart of Pinot heaven deeply, “My first taste of Gary Farrell (first time they’re available in Norway), and what a treat. Decanted for an hour, then drank from my Zwiesel Moment PN glass… Vibrant zingy aromas of sour cherries and cranberry kick off the nose. With air the tangy fruit gives way to nutmeg and cardamom, bay leaves, some dried herbs and star anise, and just the slightest whiff of rosebush. Medium-bodied with lively acidity. The tart cranberry flavor and the light but fine tannins coat the mouth for minutes after swallowing. Slight bitter touch of orange peel in the finish. A wonderful wine… Also agree with WE’s suggestion to pair with duck, it’d be a real treat and actually a nice aromatic match with orange sauce.”
Too bad we have a finite amount, clean us out please, and don’t worry, we’re grabbing some too.
93 Points – Wine Enthusiast “This nervy, well-structured wine offers tangy cranberry and dried cherry flavors backed by good acidity and moderate tannin. While not overly full in body, it has the grippy texture to pair with something indulgent and gamy like roast duck or pheasant. Best 2026–2033.”
92 Points – Wine Spectator “Sleek and refined, with understated blood orange and raspberry coulis notes dusted with incense and savory accents. Ends with a light, sanguine echo. Pretty. Drink now through 2027.”
What the Winery Says
2019 Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir


- Winemaker
- Theresa Heredia
- Varietal
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Vintage
- 2019
- Alcohol
- 14.1%
- Appellation
- Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
- Vineyard
- Hallberg Vineyard
- Aging
- 15 months
- Barrels
- 40% new French oak
About the Winery
Gary Farrell


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