Vineyard: Gaia

OwnerJohn Zahoudanis
AppellationSta. Rita Hills
StoryFormerly Ashley's Vineyard, now owned by Demetria.
VarietiesPinot Noir

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2005 Martelletto Gaia Vineyard Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.6% alc.. Aged 17 months in French oak. · Very appealing aromas of bright fresh red cherries with a complimentary touch of oak. Delicious dark red stone fruits with a sidecar of Asian spice. Noticeable but dusty tannins and a protracted fruity finish. The wine has an elegant bent which I like and avoids the ponderous and showy fruit that some Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noirs exhibit. A very nice effort. Reviewed February 18, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Demetria Sta. Rita Hills Jours de Bonheur Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 725 cases, $35. Dijon clones 114 and 777. · This is a beautifully crafted wine that grows on you over time. The nose is flush with woodsy and barnyard aromas. A charming cherry core of fruit is enhanced by spice and mocha. Nicely balanced and easy to drink, this is the most approachable wine of the trio. The first two wines are still reticent and will reward reassessment in a few years. Reviewed July 23, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Demetria Sta. Rita Hills Le BĂ©lier Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 297 cases, $45. Dijon clones 114 and 777. · The shy nose can be coaxed with swirling to reveal black cherry and spice. The flavors feature dark fruits with soy, tea and tobacco. The texture is soft and alluring, the finish taut and woodsy. Reviewed July 23, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Gloria Ferrer Gravel Knob Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 347 cases, $40. Sourced from a rocky part of Home Ranch with well-drained soils. Comar 538 and clone 32. · Requires some time in the glass to open revealing wild berry, black cherry, oak and hay scents. Dusty dark fruits, earth, tobacco and herbs lend interest. Very soft in the mouth. A bit sour on the finish. I could not warm up to this one. Reviewed July 19, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »