VINEYARD Garys’, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
CLONES Pisoni
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Chualar loam
FERMENTATION 52% stainless steel, 24% concrete, 24% oak; 4% whole cluster
7% whole cluster
ÉLEVAGE 39% new French oak for 16 months, then 100% of the blend was aged
for 1 month in stainless steel
ALCOHOL 14.3%
pH 3.7
TA 5.19 g/L
AROMA
Deep, brooding aromas of cassis, prune, and damson plum unfold into soft lavender notes. A touch of French vanilla and warm cherry pie adds a plush, inviting richness.
PALATE
Mouthwatering and lush, with layered complexity and a long, seamless finish. Smooth, precise tannins frame notes of cherry, chocolate, and dark fruit, ending with a gentle tannic grip.
Founded in 1997, Garys’ Vineyard is a celebrated collaboration between the Franscioni and Pisoni families. Located just south of Rosella’s Vineyard, it produces a unique expression of Pinot Noir, reflecting its distinctive terroir and expertise of its founders.
The 2023 Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir highlights the nuance and richness of the tightly-clustered Pisoni clone, aged for 16 months in 39% new French oak followed by one month in stainless steel. Brooding aromas of cassis, prunes, and damson plum mingle with lavender florals, lifted by hints of melted French vanilla ice cream and cherry pie. On the palate, the wine is mouthwatering and lush, offering layered complexity and a long, seamless finish. Smooth, precise tannins frame flavors of cherry, chocolate, and dark fruit, culminating in a gentle, refined tannic grip.
THE SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS IS recognized for producing some of California’s most powerful yet intricate and impeccably balanced Pinot Noirs. Perched upon the East-facing terraces of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the vines are consistently cooled by wind and fog drawn from the depths of Monterey Bay.
Within this region is the city of Salinas, an agricultural town surrounded by fruit and vegetable growers with a comprehensive climate blended of coastal breezes and sun that is ideal for grape-growing. There are plenty of favorite local hangouts to discover if you make the stop. The BBQ is truly magical and worthy of a detour in and of itself.
With soaring aromas and pure, exquisite flavors, these are incredible wines from a not-to-be-missed vintage.
– Julien Howsepian
