Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Much more earthy, mineral-driven and structured, the 2011 Pinot Noir Garys' Vineyard, which saw only 9% stem inclusion and 16 months in 50% new French oak, exhibits deep, layered aromas and flavors of black currants, underbrush, loamy soil, mint and tobacco to go with a medium-bodied, broad and big-boned profile on the palate. Beautifully focused, with brilliant purity and lively acidity, it is a serious, Burgundian effort that will benefit from short-term cellaring and shine for over a decade. Drink 2015-2021.
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Wine Spectator
Offers a plump and fleshy medley of dark berry - blueberry, blackberry and wild berry - gaining depth and dimension. Firms pleasantly on the finish. Drink now through 2020.
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.