Pinot Noir demands the most from winegrower and winemaker. Here, a great vineyard and classic winemaking are perfectly matched. 

Gary Franscioni and Gary Pisoni went to high school together and have teamed up in this joint-venture vineyard to grow great Pinot in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Garys’ Vineyard is situated four miles south of our own Double L property. The 50 acre vineyard was planted in ‘97 to the “Pisoni” clone of Pinot Noir, and has subsequently gained a reputation for producing some of California’s most sought after wines.

The grapes were completely destemmed after hand sorting, and fermented with native yeast in open top tanks. Manual punch downs provided supple texture and soft tannins. The wine was transferred to a combination of medium and medium-plus toast Burgundy barrels, 40% new, for malo-lactic fermentation and 10 months of aging. 

Dan Lee and Sam Smith have fashioned a rare Pinot, demonstrating classic Garys’ structure and elegance. The nose of blackberry, snickerdoodle cookie, and sassafras are echoed on the palate by flavors of cola with red and black fruits.

For tech sheet click here.