Pessagno Winery Garys' Vineyard Pinot Noir 2001
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About Garys' Vineyard
Located hillside in the Santa Lucia Highland appellation of Monterey County, Garys' Vineyard is a joint collaboration of grape growers Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni. Planted to the famous "Pisoni" clone of Pinot Noir, with origins from La Tache, Burgundy, this highly regarded clone has captured national attention for its superior quality and expression of flavor.
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Smooth textured, yet with a pleasing bright, spicy edge. The wine shows a complex blend of bing cherry, plum, pepper, spice, coffee, earth and anise flavors. Soft tannins give it a round mouthfeel. The finish is long and bright.
Established in 1999 with family and friends, Pessagno Winery is nestled in the scenic Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey county overlooking the Salinas River where cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes flourish.
All Pessagno wines are styled for elegance, balance, and finesse, with an emphasis on the maximum varietal character of the grape and respect for the unique expression of each vineyard's Terroir.
Each vineyard is carefully selected for the high quality of its fruit and meticulously overseen during the growing season to intensify the aromas and flavors of the grapes. The wines are handcrafted in separate lots using only the finest winemaking techniques and traditional French oak barrels.
Thin-skinned, finicky and temperamental, Pinot Noir is also one of the most rewarding grapes to grow and remains a labor of love for some of the greatest vignerons in Burgundy. Fairly adaptable but highly reflective of the environment in which it is grown, Pinot Noir prefers a cool climate and requires low yields to achieve high quality. Outside of France, outstanding examples come from in Oregon, California and throughout specific locations in wine-producing world. Somm Secret—André Tchelistcheff, California’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker decidedly stayed away from the grape, claiming “God made Cabernet. The Devil made Pinot Noir.”
Perhaps the most highly regarded appellation within Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA benefits from a combination of warm morning sunshine and brisk afternoon breezes, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and fully. The result is concentrated, flavorful wines that retain their natural acidity. Wineries here do not shy away from innovation, and place a high priority on sustainable viticultural practices.
The climatic conditions here are perfectly suited to the production of ripe, rich Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These Burgundian varieties dominate an overwhelming percentage of plantings, though growers have also found success with Syrah, Riesling and Pinot Gris.