VOLUME 12, ISSUE 34
December 30, 2022
ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE:
A Commonplace Bucket of Pinot Noir: Quotes, Ephemera, and Thoughts The Prince Retires (this time for good)

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Vineyard: Garys'

OwnersGary Franscioni, Gary Pisoni
AppellationSanta Lucia Highlands
StoryOwners: Gary Pisoni, Gary Franscioni Client Wineries: A.P. Vin, Capiaux, Copain, Kosta Browne, Lucia, Loring Wine Co, Miner, Morgan, Miura, Roar, Siduri, Surh-Luchtel, Tantara, Testarossa, Truckee River, Vision Cellars
Dates Planted1987
Acres50
LocationSanta Lucia Highlands AVA 1.5 miles south of Rosella's Vineyard.
AspectCool, maritime climate with morning fog and afternoon winds.
SoilsArroyo Seco sandy loam
VarietiesPinot Noir, Syrah
ClonesPisoni
ManagersGary Franscioni, Gary Pisoni

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2019 Testarossa Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.19, TA 0.75, 600 cases, $76. Release June 2021. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 57% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Nicely composed perfume with scents of cherry, red grape, red rose petal and peppery herbs. Light to mid-weight in style with a glorious charge of vivid, spicy black cherry fruit. Amazingly long in the mouth and on the generous finish. Very polished with enviable harmony. At this stage, the palate far exceeds the nose in allure. Score: 93. Reviewed June 13, 2021 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2018 Clarice Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.08% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.59. 76.2% whole cluster fermented. Aged in French oak barrels, 72.7% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Deep, dark and mysterious aromas of black fruits with an earthy tone. A little more fruit concentration and structure than the Rosella’s and not as welcoming at this stage. Still, the flamboyant fruit has charm, the suede tannins add textural seduction and the finish goes on and on and on. Still stellar when tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle 5 days after opening. Cellaring will be beneficial, but this will always be the baddest boy in the three wine lineup. Score: 95. Reviewed June 18, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2018 Clarice Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

13.98% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.62,. 62.5% Garys’ Vineyard and 37.5% Rosella’s Vineyard. 77.9% whole cluster fermented. Aged in French oak barrels, 37.5% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of dark cherry and berry with exotic spices. A mid weight assortment of dark fruits saturate the mid palate and carry over through a generous finish. A tad more tannin than the 2017 bottling presumably due to the increased whole cluster but when tasted on the fifth day after opening, the tannins had modulated. Score: 94. Reviewed June 18, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 Clarice Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.69. Screw cap. 54% whole cluster fermented. Aged in French oak barrels, 66.6% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Enticing aromas of dark cherry and spice box. A tad richer and more structured than the Rosella’s bottling. Exquisitely composed with a wide range of dark fruit flavors and a touch of spice. There is a good acidic vibe and the finish is amazingly long. When tasted from a previously opened bottle after 4 days, the wine was still superb but will be even more rewarding in a few years. Score: 96. Reviewed June 18, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 Clarice Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.44% alc., pH 3.41, TA 0.72. Screw cap. 85.7% Rosella’s Vineyard and 14.3% Garys’ Vineyard. 57% whole cluster fermented. Aged in French oak barrels, 42.8% new. Combines the structure of Garys’ Vineyard with the fruit-forward character of Rosella’s Vineyard. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Lovely perfume of cherry, blueberry, rose petal, mushroom and dusty oak. Suave in the mouth with good energy, offering mid weight flavors of black cherry and spice. The explosion of fruit raises the senses. Nicely composed with a memorable finish. Re-tasted 4 days after opening the bottle with similar results and the finish again making an impression. I agree with Adam on this wine in that it is not a lesser appellation wine but rather a different expression of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Score: 94. Reviewed June 18, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 Morgan Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., pH 3.43, TA 0.69, 80 cases, $65. “Pisoni clone” planted in 1997. 100% de-stemmed, fermented in open-top tanks, and aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 57% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Hold on to your hats when you pop the cork on this one! Engaging aromas of dark red berry and cherry and spice. The dark red and purple berry fruits really grab your attention on entry, showing the extra class that is typical of this vineyard. Very seductive, with a silken mouthfeel, masterful oak management, and plenty of juicy vitality. The ridiculously long finish stands out among the 2017 Morgan Pinot Noirs sampled on this day. A joyous wine to drink the following day as well from a previously opened bottle. It is wines like this that made me fall in love with Pinot Noir in the first place. Score: 96. Reviewed July 20, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Calera Central Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.60, 14,720 cases,$30. Grapes for this wine are sourced from some of the finest vineyards on the Central Coast including Solomon Hills, Sierra Madre, Bien Nacido, Garys’, Laetitia and Pedregal vineyards. Average harvest Brix 24.5º. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 10% new and 90% neutral. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Enchanting aromas of dusty cherry, violets and rose petal initially, but with time in the glass, oak takes over and char aroma appears. Mid weight plus flavors of black cherry, purple berry and cola with an overcoat of oak. Plenty of well-ripened fruit stuffing that carries through the finish, but the aggressive oak imprint detracts. Score: 87. Reviewed February 23, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Morgan Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.64, 93 cases, $64. The 50-acre Garys’ Vineyard was planted in 1997 to the Pisoni “clone” of Pinot Noir. Grapes were 100% de-stemmed and fermented in open-top tanks. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Deep aromas of black cherry, spice, vanilla and earthy mulch. The core of darker fruits offers expanding flavor in the mouth, and extends its grandeur through a graceful finish. Excellent harmony, with regal tannins, a silky texture and a pleasing oak underpinning. A very soothing wine. Score: 93. Reviewed August 24, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Lucia Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 375 ml format tasted, around $45. A blend of grapes from Pisoni, Garys’ and Soberanes vineyards. Native yeast fermentation and aging 10 months in French oak barrels, about 50% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very inviting aromas of cherry, red berry, exotic spice and warm brioche. Succulent flavors of red and purple berries with a welcome touch of oak in the background. Elegant in demeanor, yet highly flavorful, with good drive in the mouth, juicy acidity and a finish that lingers appealingly. An impressive appellation wine that is very easy to like at this young age. Score: 90. Reviewed January 16, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Loring Wine Company Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.59, 150 cases, $54, screwcap. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is endowed with aromas of blueberry, black raspberry and a hint of nutty oak. Rich entry of black cherry, blueberry and black raspberry fruits, rich middle, and a rich finish. There is deft integration of oak and tannin on the palate, and the finish offers pleasing spiced cherry goodness and some length along with the richness. A trace of alcoholic warmth shows up on the back end as the wine warms in the glass. Score: 90. Reviewed October 30, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 ROAR Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.59, 493 cases, $60. Harvest Brix 26.76º-27.1º. Pisoni clone. The juice spent an average of 33 days on the skins and aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 65% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color and slight haze in the glass. Lovely cherry pie aroma with a hint of red rose and toast. The arsenal of black cherry, black raspberry and blackberry fruits have impressive purity, ever-expanding in the mouth and on the finish. Ripe but not too ripe. There still is a bit of oak hangover from bottling, but this is sure to integrate over time. This vineyard always delivers the combination of virility and charm. Score: 93. Reviewed February 25, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Siduri Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 390 cases, $60, screwcap. Released may 2017. A blend of two different sections of the vineyard, both Pisoni clone but on different rootstocks. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Shy, but pleasant scent of cherry, ripe berry and dried herbs that builds in aromatic intensity over time in the glass. Intense, mouth filling attack of black raspberry, blackberry and cassis flavors that really alert the senses. The tannins hold the fruit in check and the fruit-filled finish is noticeably generous. One senses the alcohol on the lips. Score: 91. Reviewed September 24, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Morgan Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.65, 71 cases, $64. Vineyard planted to “Pisoni clone” of Pinot Noir. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 60% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The scent of strawberry, raspberry, earth and tar fill the glass. Explosive attack of black cherry fruit saturates every nook and cranny in the mouth. A very appealing accent of spice adds to the experience. Silky in the mouth with a mouthwatering finish of impressive length. Score: 93. Reviewed September 24, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Loring Wine Company Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., pH 3.73, 400 cases, $50. Released September 2015. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Shy, but pleasing scent of fresh macerated cherries. Very charming in the mouth, with flavors of black cherry and blueberry that build over time. Quite silky with balanced tannins, a deft touch of oak, and a lip-smacking finish. Score: 91. Reviewed December 12, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 ROAR Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., pH 3.76, TA 0.57, 595 cases, $58. Pisoni clone. Aged in 100% French oak cooperage, 60% new. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Very shy nose upon opening, only revealing some fruit and spice the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. More giving on the palate, with a juicy blend of dark cherry and dark berry fruits touched by oak. Silky and seductive, with style, grace and a finishing surge of fruit. The wine would benefit from another year or two in bottle. Score: 91-92. Reviewed April 2, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Bernardus Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., 185 cases, $65. Release September 1, 2016. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose dazzles with penetrating aromas of fresh blueberries, pomegranate, spice and tobacco. Noticeably more sappy than the Rosella’s in a mid weight plus style with gorgeous dark fruit that envelopes the mid palate and finishes with uncommon intensity and length. The oak is well integrated as well. Score: 93. Reviewed August 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Siduri Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 2,764 cases, $32, screwcap. 30% of blend from Pisoni Vineyard, the oldest vines that Siduri sources in the region. Also Rosella's, Soberanes, Sierra Mar and Garys' vineyards. 63% of wine comes from vines that are at least 14 years old. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Very ripe scented nose with aromas of blackberry, spice and conifer. Silky and juicy on the palate with alluring flavors of boysenberry, blackberry and black currant with a substantial, but not imposing tannic backbone. The lengthy finish is especially noteworthy for an appellation blend wine. Score: 90. Reviewed December 10, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Loring Wine Company Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.71, 275 cases, $50, screwcap. Released September 2014. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Very shy nose upon opening, slowly revealing fruity aromas of black cherry and black raspberry. More sap and structure than the Rosella’s with a savory herb note complimenting the core of black cherry fruit. Silky smooth on the palate with balanced tannins and a finishing burst of fruit goodness. Much more appealing over time in the glass. This wine has a ways to go and would be best cellared for a year or more. Score: 91. Reviewed March 16, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Siduri Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 350 cases, $54, screwcap. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Very shy initially, picking up aromatic and flavor interest over time in the glass. Aromas of dark cherry, dark berry, spice and floral bouquet lead to a mid to full-bodied rainbow of black cherry, boysenberry, purple grape and plum flavors. The fruit is flat-out gorgeous. Well-proportioned tannins and a caressing, creamy mouthfeel complete the picture. Score: 94. Reviewed December 10, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Morgan Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.39, TA 0.62, 118 cases, $58. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. A smaller release in this vintage as replanting of the vineyard is ongoing. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose draws you into the glass with the scent of a darker fruit basket. Soft and polished on the palate, with impressive length and intensity. Black cherry is the featured fruit with a slight note of spice, oak and citrus in the background. A noticeable acid underbelly provides vibrancy and lift to the intense finish. More acid-driven than usual for Garys’ Vineyard. Score: 92. Reviewed May 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Bernardus Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 165 cases, $65. Bottled August 2014. “Pisoni clone,” 100% de-stemmed, aged 10 months in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose offers oak-embellished aromas of fresh black raspberry and blackberry. The flavors echo the nose in a rich, plush style that is fruit-driven. Muscular tannins and oak make their presence felt. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the fruit aromas were more evident, the oak had assimilated, but the tannins still stuck out. On both days, the wine had a hint of alcoholic heat on the finish. This wine currently lacks balance and nuance, but a few years in the cellar may help some. Score: 88. Reviewed September 18, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Loring Wine Company Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., $50, screwcap. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Very ripe fruited with aromas of black cherries, plums, and oak-driven vanilla and smoke. Rich, plush and decadent flavors of vanilla-infused black cherry cola with a touch of oak sheen. Highly approachable, with modest tannins and some finishing presence that leaves some oak in its wake. Very good for this style. Score: 89. Reviewed December 18, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Bernardus Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 165 cases, $65. Pisoni clone. Aged in 100% French oak barrels of which 40% were new. · Medium reddish purple hue in the glass. Friendly aromas of darker berries plum sauce and subtle smoky oak. Very smooth and refined on the palate with intensely flavorful blackberry, black raspberry and black plum fruits backed by modest tannins. Impressive persistence on the glorious fruit-driven finish. The fruit really stands out in this wine. Score: 92. Reviewed February 8, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Kosta Browne Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 793 cases, $84. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Striking raspberry aroma on the nose with a touch of spice. Mid weight flavors of black raspberry, black cherry, brown spice and anise backed by smoky oak. The tannins are refined and the finish is pleasurable. The wine seems a bit closed and impenetrable at this stage and should benefit from more time in the cellar. Tasted twice with this review based on the best of two bottles. Score: 90. Reviewed July 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 ROAR Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.58, 641 cases, $52. Pisoni clone harvested at 26.8º Brix.. Aged 11 months in 77% new and 23% 1-year-old French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Welcoming aromas of red and black berry cobbler, black cherries and clove. Delicious core of dark red fruits with a slight savory accent. Full-bodied with a seductively soft texture and very fine tannins. Beautiful integration of oak. A little big and high in alcohol for me personally, but this is a great wine in its style. Garys’ Vineyard seemed to perform beautifully in this vintage. Reviewed March 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Siduri Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 419 cases, $52. Grapes picked prior to October rains. Pisoni selection on two rootstocks. Some whole cluster. Aged 14 months prior to bottling. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose explodes upon opening with fresh cherry aroma and hints of spice, herbs and redwood. On the palate, the layers of flashy cherry and raspberry fruit really draw your attention and hold it through a finish like a three hour movie you don’t want to end. Spend some quality time with this one as it will gradually become significantly better in the glass. Reviewed March 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Bernardus Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 165 cases, $65. Planted to the Pisoni “clone” by Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni. Aged 10 months in about 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. A masculine wine with a notable earthy accent. Aromas of darker red cherries and berries and some oak spice. Full-bodied, filling the mouth with layers of deep red cherry and berry fruits, yet has a pleasing soft texture and nicely integrated tannins. The most extracted and structured wine in the 2011 Bernardus Pinot Noir lineup that will benefit from more cellaring. Score: 92. Reviewed March 29, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Kosta Browne 4 Barrel California Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.62, 98 cases, $78. Kosta Browne’s smallest lot but requires the most attention to detail. The four barrels are identified from 70 different lots, whittled down to the final four. There are no appellation or vineyard restrictions. 25% Gap’s Crown 667, 25% Koplen 667, 25% Keefer Ranch Pommard 5 and 25% Garys’ Pisoni. Average yield 2.1 tons per acre. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 16 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Patience is needed with this wine and decanting is recommended if you open now as it is the least approachable wine in the 2011 lineup. Slowly evolving nose, offering aromas of black cherries, black raspberries, and plenty of extroverted spice, reaching a crescendo after 30 minutes in the glass. Like all the 2011 Pinots from Kosta Browne, this wine is very soft in the mouth. Still a bit monotone and closed, the potential is obvious. Layered flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, blackberry and cassis with a dusting of oak and spice. Seamless, with excellent balance and length. This will be one helluva wine in a couple of years. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Kosta Browne Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.59, 1,678 cases, $78. Vineyard located in the Petaluma Gap and Kosta Browne has a long-term lease of 37 planted acres. The backbone of the Sonoma Coast appellation bottling. Yields 2.8-3.5 tons per acre. Clones 114, 115, 667, “828,” and Swan. 5% whole cluster. Aged 16 months in 52% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddishpurple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with hi-tone aromas of red cherries and berries with complimentary spice and oak. Mid weight flavors of red and black raspberries and cherries with balanced dry tannins and a real burst of fruit-driven goodness on the finish. A sophisticated offering with a highly seductive, velvety mouth feel. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Kosta Browne Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.60, 368 cases, $78. A partnership between Gary Franscioni and Gary Pisoni planted in 1997. 100% Pisoni clone. Average yield 2.7 tons per acre. 8% whole cluster. Aged 16 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Whereas Rosella’s is decidedly feminine, Garys’ is more macho. Aromatic overload with deep scents of spiced black cherry and plum fruit with a hint of leather and conifer. Delicious, mouthfilling richness, with a bright core of black cherry fruit and a dusting of oak. Very smooth and seamless with tannins so fine as to be imperceptible. A delight to drink because nothing stands out except the luscious fruit. The wine finishes on a high note with remarkable intensity. Oh yah! Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Loring Wine Company Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., $48, screw cap. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Very ripe fruit profile displaying aromas and flavors of blackberries, black currants, black plum, raisin and sassafras. Moderately dense with a long fruit-laden finish. Silky soft in the mouth. The fruit really sings in this wine. Good (+). Reviewed April 4, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Siduri Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 241 cases, $50. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is closed for business with very muted aromas of dark stone fruits and oak. Rather closed, uninspiring and earthy now with a linear display of dark stone fruits in a medium weighted style. Nicely crafted with well-behaved tannins, a good acid spine, and a silk and satin texture, but just isn’t offering much fruit flavor interest at this time. Cellar this one for a good year. Good (+). Reviewed February 22, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Kosta Browne Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., 404 cases, $78. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of brambly dark red and black berries, forest floor and spice. Appealing dark berry and spiced plum flavors robed in supple tannins, finishing with very impressive staying power and a little warmth. Not as expressive as it will be and needs more time in the cellar. Very good. Reviewed July 23, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Siduri Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 298 cases, $50. Siduri is entering the second decade of working with this vineyard. A combination of Pisoni selection on 5C rootstock (33% whole cluster, indigenous fermentation), and Pisoni selection on 3309 rootstock (15% whole cluster, inoculated with a Williams Selyem winery yeast isolate). · Enticing aromas of black cherries, deeply colored berries and cola. A lip smacker with oodles of fruit that saturates the palate and persists on the finish with a clinging vengeance. Soft and smoothly textured, this is a kick-ass Pinot that will bring you to your knees. Reviewed March 2, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Kosta Browne Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., 439 cases, $72. · Dark and dense reddish-purple color in the glass. Reserved but pleasing aromas of black stone fruits with complimentary oak spice and anise. Rich, full, sweet and beautifully composed black plum and blackberry flavors that offer real density and a mouth coating finish of unbelievable persistence. Fruit-driven and primary now, but the gorgeous fruit is impossible to ignore. Similar to the Pisoni in flavor profile but more giving now. I have never tasted anything so sensual from this vineyard. Wowzaa! Reviewed August 13, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Kosta Browne Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.9% alc.. · Always an impressive wine from KB. Perfume of spice plums and violets lead to a concentrated attack of black cherries and boysenberries accented with flavors of baking spices and sandalwood. A very charming wine that I find irresistible. Very good (+). Reviewed April 9, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Kosta Browne Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., pH 3.57, 422 cases, $72. Exclusively Pisoni selection, 3.1 tons per acre. 18% whole cluster. · The nose explodes with a vengeance initially showing flashy dark berry and stone fruits with subtle scents of pine and mint. Tasty core of black cherry and blackberry fruit with impressive flavor intensity and persistence. The soft texture makes the wine very user-friendly. Better the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very good. Reviewed March 2, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Lucia Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc.. · The aromas are primarily oakderived showing roasted coffee and dark chocolate. Darkly fruity and chunky, a bit rustic, with a prominent chocolate flavor that should appeal to many. Has healthy tannins to stand up to hearty fare. Good. Reviewed April 8, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Roar Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

13.8% alc.. · A very impressive wine that breaks the mold of high extraction typical of the Roar style. Nicely perfumed with black cherries and blackberry fruit. Very sensual and understated on the palate with appealing flavors of spiced berries set off by gossamer tannins and proportioned acidity. One of the best wines tasted at WOPN. Very good. Reviewed April 8, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Loring Wine Company Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 675 cases, $46. · Very sensual aromas of dark cherries, baking spices, musk and prime oak. A hint of alcohol peeks out. Clean and uplifting deeply colored cherry fruit, richly flavored with lively acidity and gripping tannins. Reviewed January 1, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Kosta Browne Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.71, 436 cases, $72. Pisoni clone. Third vintage from this vineyard. Cropped at 3.4 tons per acre average. · The queen of the tasting. A charming wine that exudes charisma from the enticing spiced cherry aromatics to the discreetly concentrated core of cherry and berry fruit. Very silky in the mouth with a pleasingly bright and focused quality to the fruit. Reviewed January 22, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Siduri Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

Highly forthcoming Xmas spice nose. Delicious glycerol-laden fruit, dark fruit spectrum, very aromatic finish. Superb. Although Sidur single vineyard Pinot Noirs are too big, too alcoholic, too sweet for me (Russell) more often than not, the ones that don’t cross that line, including this example, are wonderful. (I agree with that statement). Reviewed March 23, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Kosta Browne Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 365 cases, $68. Pisoni clone. · Musky nose. Black cherry, sassafras and cola flavors with an earthy and forest floor underpinning. Reviewed July 19, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Surh Luchtel Cellars Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 560 cases, $50. Aged 11 months in 75% new French oak. · Easy to understand why this wine is sold out at the winery. It is an impressive offering with plenty of dark aromatic Pinot fruits, appealingly spiced, and nicely balanced with pleasing acidity and gossamer tannins. Reviewed March 23, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Capiaux Cellars Garys‘ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., $52. · Lovely aromas of ripe, dark cherries and strawberries. Full-bodied and a bit rustic with very ripe dark fruit flavors of berries, root beer and brown spice. A solid fruit core but a touch too ripe for my taste. Balance is spot on. Reviewed September 5, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 A.P. Vin Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

15.0% alc., screw cap. · Moderately deep reddish-purple color. Scents of cherries, sandalwood, oak char and barnyard (? Brett). Rich brown-sugared fruit with lively acidity and gossamer tannins. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 La Rochelle Garys‘ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

15.0% alc.. Winemakers Tom Stutz and Claude Bobba. · Slightly hazy with a hint of orange coloring on the rim. Rather flat nose with some faint fruit, oak and spice. Tasty black cherry core elegantly presented with a satiny texture and good alcohol integration. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Loring Wine Company Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., screw cap. · Aromas of black cherries, blackberries, oak, barnyard and alcohol. Rich and full-bodied cherry and berry flavors with oak in the background. Fresher than many wines in the lineup. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Lucia Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.8% alc.. · Fairly deep reddish-purple color. Fresh and pure aromas of black cherries. A masculine wine that retains notable oak but the black cherry core remains impressive and the alcohol remains submerged. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Marguerite Ryan Cellars Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

15.1% alc., 57 cases. · Moderately light garnet color. Shy, delicate aromas of black cherries. An elegantly styled wine with no detectable tannins. Flavors of black cherries, spice, oak and brioche with a smooth texture. Faint whiff of alcohol on the nose and finish. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Miner Family Vineyards Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.3% alc.. · Bouquet of aged aromas including root beer, cola and leather with a sniff of alcohol. Medium-weighted flavors of berries and cola with a smooth mouthfeel secondary to melted tannins. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Miura Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc.. · Deep reddish-purple color. Volatile acidity and diaper on the nose. Rich, full bodied dark cherry and berry fruit with hints of root beer and brown sugar. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Morgan Garys‘ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc.. · Flamboyant aromas of ripe and exotic berries which faded slowly in the glass. Ripe cherry flavored with a taste of root beer and some citrus on the back end. The tannins have completely faded. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Roar Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.9% alc.. · Attractive aromas of rich, ripe black cherries, root beer and sandalwood. Rich black cherry fruit core with notable oak. Still retaining some tannin. Some ash shows up on the finish which leaves a little heat in its wake. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Siduri Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc.. · Deep garnet color. Rich and ripe scents of black cherries and raspberries. A hedonistic style that retains plenty of sweet fruit richness and has shed all of its tannins. Stacked and packed with fruit with admirable balance for such a big-boned wine. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Surh Luchtel Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

Lovely aged aromas of baking spices, apples, seasoned oak and sandalwood. Discreetly concentrated cherry core with a hint of root beer flavor. The tannins have melted away. Best wine in the lineup. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Tantara Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

15.1% alc.. · Very strange aromas like fresh paint. Completely over the hill with no fruit evident, leaving behind flavors of root beer and dark ale. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Vision Cellars Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.4% alc.. · Moderately dark-purple color. Nicely appointed aromas of black cherries, spice and wildflowers. Thick flavors of black cherries and cola with a silky but firm texture and a touch of astringency on the finish. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Waltzing Bear Wines Garys‘ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

15.1% alc.. · Brett in the nose with faint scent of raisins. Black cherry and baking spice flavors. Plenty of finishing acidity. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 La Rochelle Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

15% alc. · There is a nice mélange of red berries and mushrooms on the nose with a solid core of plush red fruits and a kiss of oak and toast in the background. Remarkably balanced considering the high alcohol. In my family, this was controversial, as my wife noticed the alcohol right away on the finish, but I could not detect any heat on the backend. This wine will appeal to those who cherish fruit-driven, big-boy Pinot Noirs. Reviewed May 13, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Martin Alfaro Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., $27. · Shy fruit with scents of black cherry, roasted nuts and a vague funkiness. The fruit tastes like raisins and fermented cherries. Unpleasant. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Testerossa Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., $45. · Delicate ruby color. A feminine style with fruit that has faded leaving alcohol to peak out on the nose and finish. Some notes of baking spices and sandalwood add interest. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2001 Arcadian Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

13.0% alc.. 42 acres planted with cuttings from Pisoni Vineyard. Average sugars at harvest were 23.5 Brix. 100% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 22 months in French oak bottles and an additional 14 months in bottle before release. Unfined and unfiltered. · The following wine had been in my cellar since release. Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the glass with no brickish changes. Aged aromas of currants, raisins, kid glove and redwood. Medium weighted and ephemeral on the palate with slightly roasted dark fruit flavors and undertones of fig and soy. Supple tannins and bright acidity. This wine has held up beautifully: a sign that it was well-made. Very good. Reviewed July 1, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

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