2019 Garys' Pinot Noir
Garys’ Vineyard, located on a wide alluvial mesa in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands, is named after grape-growing partners Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni. Garys’ Vineyard is known for spicy aromatics and rich berry flavors, and has subsequently gained 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, 50% new, for malo-lactic fermentation and ten months of aging.
Dan Lee and Sam Smith have fashioned a rare pinot, demonstrating classic Garys’ structure and elegance. The nose of red and black fruits, turned earth, and baking spices is echoed on the palate by flavors of cola spice, black tea, and sandalwood. This wine features a medium body framed by elegant tannins and medium acidity – an outstanding match for duck confit, lamb shank, or prime rib.
Wine Specs
94 Points
"A single-vineyard Pinot Noir from the Garys’ Vineyard in Santa Lucia Highlands spends 10 months in 50% new French oak barrels. Light ruby and violet in the glass, the wine is simply stunning to look at with a perfumed nose to match - think black raspberry, blue plums, fresh violet petals, roasted espresso and a touch of earthiness. The wine is medium to full bodied on the palate, with ample amounts of acidity to match the bold and juicy fruit components. Only 96 cases produced." - Jeremy Young, August 2021
95 Points
"Wines from this vineyard always stand out. Moderate garnet color in the glass. Beautifully perfumed with scents of black cherry, black raspberry and dark rose petal. A luscious black cherry core immediately brings the palate to attention. Very flavorful but refreshing and elegant. This wine a quintessential example of an iron fist in a velvet glove. Refined and classy, with an exceptional finish of uncommon length." - Rusty Gaffney, October 2021