2007 Garys' Vineyard Pinot Noir

Garys’ Vineyard

is situated in the Santa Lucia Highlands, 4 miles south of our own Double L property. Garys‘ 42 acres, established in 1997, is planted to the “Pisoni” clone of Pinot Noir. This estate has gained a reputation for producing some of California’s most sought - after Pinots.

Although 2007 was typically cool and windy, this vintage shows a lot of intensity due to high stress on the vines from a dry winter preceding a cold, wet spring. The outcome of this weather pattern was a 40% decrease in crop production, further focusing fruit structure. Summer and fall produced perfect conditions for slow, gentle ripening.

After harvest, the grapes were completely de-stemmed and hand sorted twice. Whole-berry fermentation was induced using RC212 yeast in open top tanks. The cap was manually punched down for optimum extraction and structure with soft tannins. The wine was transferred to a combination of medium and medium- plus toast Burgundy barrels, 50% new, for malo-lactic fermentation and 11 months of aging. The wine was bottled, un-fined, in August 2008.

Dan Lee and Gianni Abate have fashioned a rare Pinot (only 550 cases), demonstrating classic Garys‘ structure and elegance. The nose of red cherry, raspberry, cloves, and rose petals is echoed on the palate and joined by mineral, spice, black currant, and cherry cola characters. The Morgan 2007 Garys’ Pinot Noir is certain to be among our most awarded releases; it will prove an excellent match to roast salmon, duck, or lamb preparations...