2022 Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir

Santa Lucia Highlands AVA

Tasting Notes

“Dark red hue. Scents of ripe cherry, boysenberry, pomegranate, blackberry, anise, and cola start off this complex Pinot Noir. With time in glass, notes of cola, vanilla, and orange sorbet make for a unique and pleasurable experience. With density, lushness, and concentration, this Pinot Noir pleases now and will be enjoyed through 2031.”

~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
June 2024

“Sumptuous nose of red cherry and raspberry. Opulent in the mouth with impressive fresh fruit concentration and bright acidity. Round tannins on the finish. Owned by boyhood friends, Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni, this highly acclaimed 50-acre vineyard was established in 1997. The vineyard is planted to Pinot Noir from the Pisoni Selection on Arroyo Seco sandy loam. Garys’ sits in the middle of the Highlands region at 300 feet above sea level and rises to 500 feet with an East/Southeast exposure. Matured 18 months in 65% new French oak. 14.3% alc.” Don Winkler, International Wine Review, June 2024

“The 2022 Pinot Noir Garys’ Vineyard explodes with a cascade of spiced cherry and orange peel. Broad and ample, it soaks every corner of the mouth in rich, juicy red fruit. Crushed rocks and gravelly minerality add tension as a lick of sea salt flutters down the mid-palate on the finish. The Garys’ is dynamic and long in 2022.” Billy Norris, Antono Galloni’s Vinous, August 2024

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: 25 years
Viticulture Practice: 
Sustainable (SIP Certified)
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 18 months in French oak, 65% new
Production: 18 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir (Pisoni Clone)
Acidity: 3.27 pH, 7.31 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: September 15, 2022, hand harvested
Club Release: June 2024
Release Price: $81

Drink Now through 2031

Past Vintage Wine Scores

“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

“Rounded aromas of raspberry, dark rose-petal extract and even purple flowers make for a very complex and floral nose on this bottling from an iconic vineyard. The windswept region translates to a zippy acidity, where those rose and violet flavors float across brisk pomegranate and cracked-pepper flavors.”

Matt Kettmann
Wine Enthusiast

December 2023

“Vivid red. A highly seductive bouquet evokes ripe red/blue fruits, incense, oak spices, potpourri and botanical herbs. Stains the palate with finely detailed Chambord, boysenberry, cherry-cola, lavender, vanilla and spicecake flavors that smoothly blend power and elegance. The floral and spice notes repeat strongly on an extremely long, finely etched finish that’s framed by polished, even tannins. 57% new French oak.”

Josh Raynolds
Vinous
May 2022

“Distinctly brighter in its leaner frame than some other Garys’ Vineyard wines we’ve tasted, this wine does express its own kind of intensity, without a doubt. Tart cranberry, spiced pomegranate, and chaparral play a part, but streamlined texture is key to its stage presence. Aged 18 months in 100% French oak.”

Meridith May
The SOMM Journal
June/July 2021

“Distinctly brighter in its leaner frame than some other Garys’ Vineyard wines we’ve tasted, this wine does express its own kind of intensity, without a doubt. Tart cranberry, spiced pomegranate, and chaparral play a part, but streamlined texture is key to its stage presence. Aged 18 months in 100% French oak.”

Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
October 2020

“Deep ruby color; silky and lush with pretty cherry fruit and tangy acidity; juicy cherry and lovely balance; long and classic.”

Anthony Dias Blue
May 2019
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“Tipping the scales a bit to ripeness and richness without veering to heaviness at any point and a wine that shows nuanced touches of loamy soil as well as hints of crème brûlée to its ongoing theme of decidedly succulent ripe cherries, this full-bodied working is spot-on with respect to Pinot Noir suppleness now and is certain to reveal more of the characteristic velvety feel of its variety as time passes. That is not to say that its enjoyment is conditional upon further age, but cellaring will bring even more polish and grace to what is a substantial, very deep, fully stuffed rendition.”

Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine
November 2019

“Limpid ruby-red. Spice- and mineral-accented blackberry and cherry scents are complicated by suggestions of vanilla, licorice and pungent flowers. Sweet and densely packed, offering powerful bitter cherry, dark berry and spicecake flavors that slowly unfold with air. In a concentrated, brawny style, delivering strong closing thrust, chewy tannins and impressive, floral-driven persistence.”

Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni’s  Vinous
November 2019

“Limpid ruby-red. Expansive aromas of raspberry liqueur, vanilla, licorice and potpourri, with hints of smoky minerals and exotic spices in the background. Lush and appealingly sweet, displaying superb depth, velvety texture and sappy red/dark berry, spicecake and floral pastille flavors that show no rough edges. Rounded tannins build slowly and meld effortlessly with the wine’s juicy berry fruit on an impressively persistent, floral-tinged finish.”

Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“Brilliant ruby-red. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red and dark berries, vanilla and candied rose, and a spicy flourish adds lift. Stains the palate with sappy black raspberry, cherry cola and fruitcake flavors and picks up a smoky nuance on the back half. Shows serious depth, but a spine of juicy acidity gives the wine a surprisingly vibrant character. Supple tannins come on steadily on an impressively long, floral-tinged finish that echoes the smoke and cherry notes.”

Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
November 2017

“One of the standouts from the Santa Lucia Highlands releases is the 2014 Pinot Noir Garys’ Vineyard. Beautifully defined, textured and seamless, with serious length on the finish, it has lots sappy underbrush, crushed rock and core of dark berry fruit. Aged 12 months in 56% new French oak, it should see its 10th birthday in fine form.”

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“An impressive offering, rich and well-built, with tiers of raspberry, blackberry and spicy floral scents. The tannins are firm and muscular, yet fully integrated into the winemaking for a rather seamless effort. Drink now through 2022. 552 cases made.”

JL
Wine Spectator

“A bit less outgoing and emphatic in ripeness than this district’s Pinots are wont to be, Testarossa’s version from Garys’ Vineyard exhibits plenty of solidity, very fine fruity depth and the kind of structure that speaks to excellent potential. It is still a touch tight, yet its deep, very well-extracted flavors are keenly focused and show outstanding length, and it teases here and there with hints of real polish to come. Please do not be in a hurry here, because this one will have so much more to say if its many temptations can be resisted for another three to five years. ”

Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine
July 2014

“Slightly more savory and spice-driven than the Pisoni, the 2011 Pinot Noir Garys’ Vineyard exhibits classic aromas and flavors of kirsch, currants, dried flowers, spice box and potpourri. Rich, voluptuous and balanced, with a great mid-palate and finish, it’s another remarkable effort from this producer. Enjoy it over the coming 5-6 years. Drink 2014-2019.”

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
August 2013

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.

Past Vintages

Wine Production Data

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

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

Drink Now through 2031

Tasting Notes

“Dark red hue. Brilliant scents of cherry cola, jasmine, papaya, orange zest and melon. With air, secondary notes of rhubarb, ripe cherry pie, rose petal, and pomegranate ooze out of the glass. Once on the palate, the flavors concentrate towards cherry, tangerine, rhubarb, and pomegranate. This Pinot Noir has amazing texture and vibrancy. The finish is very pure and lovely. Enjoy now through 2030.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
June 2021

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: 22 years
Viticulture Practice: 
Sustainable (SIP Certified)
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 18 months in 100% French Oak, 57% new
Production: 25 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Clones: 100% Pisoni Clone
Acidity: 3.19 pH, 7.52 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: September 30, 2019, hand harvested
Club Release: June 2021

Drink Now through 2030

Tasting Notes

“Deep red hue. This Pinot Noir offers aromas of roasted strawberry, papaya, orange-zest, cherry, ripe cranberry, and pomegranate. Once on the palate, these qualities persist and are matched by ripe grapefruit. The mouthfeel showcases incredible silky polish of tannins and vibrant acidity. This wine finishes with youthfulness, persistence, and great energy. Enjoy now through 2030.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 18 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 58% new
Production: 32 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 3.22 pH, 6.7 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.4%
Harvest: September 27, 2018
Club Release: June 2020

Drink Now through 2030

Tasting Notes

“Medium red color. Initial aromas of cherry, papaya, orange blossom, and pomegranate lead the charge in this fine Pinot Noir. With some aeration, notes of chokecherry jam and anise round out the aroma profile. Upon taste, the palate flows towards pomegranate, anise, and papaya. As the wine continues to open up, the silky smooth tannins give way to brisk acidity. While this wine shows a long, and lingering finish, its youthful touch will continue to unravel and please over many years to come. Decanting is recommended for immediate enjoyment. Enjoy now through 2026.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 15 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 53% new
Production: 32 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 7.26 g/L – 3.19 pH
Alcohol: 14.5%
Harvest: September 11, 2017
Club Release: February 13, 2019

Drink Now through 2026

Tasting Notes

“Dark red color. Brilliant aromas of ripe cherry pie, roasted strawberry, custard, orange zest, and ripe pomegranate. Hints of cloves, sage, licorice, and papaya linger in the background. These same profiles segue into the palate with a similar balance and precision. Focused acidity and fine tannins lend this Pinot Noir to a high degree of sophistication. This wine finishes supple, soft, and full of pleasure. Enjoy now through 2025”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 15 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 42% new
Production: 31barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 6.81 g/L – 3.22 pH
Alcohol: 14.2%
Harvest: September 8, 2016
Club Release: March 7, 2018

Drink Now through 2025

Tasting Notes

“Deep red color. Engaging aromas of red cherry, cola, sage, and raspberry. Upon aeration, notes of cranberry, pomegranate, and vanilla bean fill out the aroma profile. Once in the palate, the flavors stay true to the aroma profile and are framed by bright acidity and supple texture. This wine ends nicely with a lively and lingering finish. Enjoy now through 2025.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 10.5 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 69% new
Production: 17 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 6.94 g/L – 3.36 pH
Alcohol: 14.2%
Harvest: September 3, 2015
Club Release: September 19, 2017

Drink Now through 2025

Tasting Notes

“Deep brick hue. Generous aromas of cranberry, pomegranate, anise are followed by bing cherry, raspberry, and cloves. In the distant background there are subtle notes of blackberry, boysenberry, and sage. The flavors stay true to the aroma profile, while there is ample notes of cherry and cranberry. This lively and bright Pinot Noir on the palate shows great focus with its silky tannins and balanced acidity. This wine ends with a youthful and lingering impression. Enjoy now through 2025.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 12 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 56% new
Production: 32 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 5.85 g/L – 3.52 pH
Alcohol: 15.5%
Harvest: September 9, 2014
Club Release: September 13, 2016

Drink Now through 2025

 

Tasting Notes

“Medium red hue. Scents of bing cherry, cranberry, sage, lemon blossom, orange zest, and cloves. These characteristics amplify on the palate, lending itself to a very pure experience. Loads of intensity in the mouth with lively tannins and subtle acidity. Multi-layered palate and very hedonistic with its long, supple finish. While flashy now, this Pinot Noir will continue to improve with age. Enjoy now through 2023.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging:
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 46% new
Production: 24 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity:
Alcohol: 14.5%
Harvest: September, 2013
Club Release: September, 2015

Drink Now through 2023

 

Tasting Notes

“Medium dark red color.  Engaging nose of fruit and flowers in this refreshing Pinot Noir.  Lemon, pomegranate, currant, bing cherry are paired with hints of jasmine, orange blossoms, and violet.  After some aeration, this wine continues to gain complexity with notes of cloves and custard.  While it is difficult to stop smelling the hedonistic traits, when tasting, there is a distillation of citrus, pomegranate, and cherry characters.  This elegant offering from Garys’ Vineyard offers bright, focused qualities showing the mature age of the vines, while unraveling in the finish to be multi-dimensional and loaded with subtleties.  Drink now through 2020.”

~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking

Production Data

Growers: Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 11 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 47% new
Production: 
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Acidity: 6.10 g/L 3.47 pH
Alcohol: 14.2%
Harvest: September, 2012
Club Release: September 13, 2014

Drink Now through 2020

 

WEATHER HOLD ADVISORY: Please note that due to the fragile nature of wine and the impending winter/summer season, we are unable to ship wines to states whose temperatures have dropped below 32  / risen above 90 degrees on average. Orders will be kept in our temperature controlled cellar until more moderate temperatures are reached. If you feel your area might be impacted, please contact us at clubt@testarossa.com to inquire about shipping options.

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