Gary’s Vineyard is a joint venture forged in 1997 between longtime friends Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni. Together, they planted a 50 acres vineyard dedicated exclusively to Pinot Noir, christening it as Garys' Vineyard. It is situated eight miles north of the Pisoni Vineyard in a cooler sector of the Santa Lucia Highlands. In 2000, Gary Pisoni inaugurated his own second label named Lucia, sourced from the Pisoni’s estate's famed Garys' and Soberanes Vineyards. This wine is barrel aged for 11 months in 53% New French Oak barrels. There is a modest production of 730 cases.

This is a lovely second label with an uncompromising level of craftsmanship and detail that is the hallmark signature of the Pisoni family. The color displays a gleaming ruby hue with purple edges. The inviting bouquet offers floral hints of dried garden flowers and lavender. It is gracefully textured with black raspberry preserve and freshly picked mixed berries along with nuances of cinnamon, roasted coffee and fruitcake spices. The tannins are ripe and powdery soft adding to overall complexity and dimension of this wine. This wine offers plenty of sensual appeal and is a must buy.

By W Peter Hoyne