2021 Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir
Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Tasting Notes
“Medium red hue. Enchanting scents of jasmine, cherry cola, pomegranate and lemon-zest start off this Pinot Noir. Following some time in glass, notes of anise, orange sorbet, and vanilla bean flow and round out the aroma profile. While many of these qualities persist on the palate, notes of grapefruit, crème brulee, and lemon meringue catapult into the flavor matrix. Very fine tannins and bright acidity share a picture perfect glimpse into a fresh, vibrant, and persistent finish. Enjoy now through 2031.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
June 2023
“The 2021 Pinot Noir Garys’ Vineyard is fabulous. Bright, floral and juicy, the Garys’ is a fine example of Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot at its very best. Crushed flowers, sweet red-toned fruit, blood orange, spice, mint and a touch of new oak all grace this exquisite, wonderfully balanced Pinot. All the elements are in the right place. The Garys’ is one of the most impressive wines in this range.”
Antonio Galloni
Vinous
November 2023
Production Data
Growers: Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 300 – 400 feet; East/Southeast
Soil: Sandy, gravelly soils
Vineyard Age: 24 years
Viticulture Practice: Sustainable (SIP Certified)
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 18 months in French oak, 61% new
Production: 23 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir (Pisoni Clone)
Acidity: 3.18 pH, 7.37 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: October 2, 2021, hand harvested
Club Release: June 2023
Release Price: $78
Drink Now through 2031
Past Vintage Wine Scores
The Garys’ Vineyard
Garys’ Vineyard is arguably the most famous property in the Santa Lucia Highlands; Pinot Noir fruit from here is sought-after by many of the finest wineries in the world for their most limited releases. Garys’ is a partnership between Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni, two of the Highlands’ most dynamic growers. Originally planted in 1997, Gary’s has forty-two acres of “Pisoni clone” Pinot Noir. The property’s close proximity to Monterey Bay makes for a very cool climate, with one of California’s longest growing seasons. The resulting slow, gentle ripening allows for full flavor development on the vine. Five acres of Pinot Noir at Garys’ are allocated annually to Testarossa where they have been making Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir since 1999.