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 Vintage2014 Label 1 of 15 
TypeRed
ProducerLoring Wine Company (web)
VarietyPinot Noir
Designationn/a
VineyardGarys' Vineyard
CountryUSA
RegionCalifornia
SubRegionCentral Coast
AppellationSanta Lucia Highlands
UPC Code(s)896641002233

Drinking Windows and Values
Drinking window: Drink between 2016 and 2020 (based on 8 user opinions)
Wine Market Journal quarterly auction price: See Loring Pinot Noir Garys` Vineyard on the Wine Market Journal.

Community Tasting History

Community Tasting Notes (average 91.4 pts. and median of 91 pts. in 58 notes) - hiding notes with no text

 Tasted by tbrader on 3/21/2024 & rated 89 points: Candied cherry, cola, gravel. Slight smoky character. In Loring style, heftier than a typical pinot and showing a good deal of fruit after a decade. (115 views)
 Tasted by gsiokis on 7/3/2023 & rated 91 points: Going away party for Neighbor's....no formal tasting notes.

Consistent with previous note: Screw cap. At nine years of age, has some bricking but fruit is still there - mostly red fruit with med acidity. Honestly, kinda surprised me this was still doing so well. Needed about 15-20 mins in the glass to warm up. (285 views)
 Tasted by gsiokis on 3/15/2023 & rated 91 points: Screw cap. At nine years of age, has some bricking but fruit is still there - mostly red fruit with med acidity. Honestly, kinda surprised me this was still doing so well. Needed about 15-20 mins in the glass to warm up. (343 views)
 Tasted by underwds on 11/19/2020 & rated 90 points: Lovely ruby color with jewel-like depth. Blueberry, boysenberry, raspberry fruit; it has these all in spades without seeming over-extracted. Took a turn for tartness as it finished crossing the palate that didn't wear off until the bottle spent a couple of hours in the open. Decant the next one.

1/28/2021 Had a '14 Rosella's the other night and remembered the same profile as this Gary's: lots of fruit and a very tart finish. Went back in my notes and that seems to be a common theme in all his '14's. So note to self to let any of them breathe first. No pop and pour in this vintage. (894 views)
 Tasted by IcemanMB on 5/15/2020 & rated 96 points: Took 20+ minutes to open but when it did this Loring Pinot was top quality. Robust flavor profile. (936 views)
 Tasted by ddingley on 12/25/2019 & rated 89 points: Excellent fruit and flavor interest but a bit off, I think meant to be consumed young. (1027 views)
 Tasted by StraightnoChaser on 11/30/2019 & rated 90 points: On the line between really good and great. I think the higher RS is what holds it back.
A good value, nonetheless. (926 views)
 Tasted by Burgundy Al on 11/23/2019 & rated 89 points: Glunz Wine Tasting (Lincolnwood, IL): Walk around tasting. Very good weight. Black cherry with liqueur notes and sweet spice makes this come across as ultra ripe and very modern, yet is powerful and clearly able to maintain good balance. (1576 views)
 Tasted by vegasoenophile on 5/21/2019 & rated 96 points: Deep color. Ruby out to a slightly moving-toward-garnet rim. On the nose, I get that warm, exuberant SLH fruit. Aromas of black cherry, blueberry and boysenberry with hints of forest ceps, clay, cocoa nib and nutmeg. Flashy fruit on the palate. Rather like fresh blueberries and boysenberries dusted in cocoa. Suggestions of lavender and violets with black cherry lifting into vibrant acidity with more red fruit tones. Some roasted vanilla bean with savory dried herbs and cedar.

This is a really punchy, complex and juicy wine. Very enjoyable and it lingers nicely and long. This should continue to evolve nicely for another 8 to 10 years, perhaps longer with the Stelvin enclosure. A wonderful example of a Pinot that exemplifies power with finesse without trying to be a Cabernt-not Noir. (740 views)
 Tasted by AWBryce on 1/10/2019 & rated 89 points: Last of my 375s. Very ripe sweet berry nose, angostura bitters, pepper. Palate is ripe, very fine grained tannin, medium acidity, long ripe finish. would like to revisit in a while, this has the stuffing to age, though not a typical pinot, maybe typical to this region. (650 views)
 Tasted by dgkula on 10/29/2018 & rated 91 points: Stunning fruit (895 views)
 Tasted by macavity on 7/3/2018 & rated 90 points: Very bright with cherry notes and a lingering finish. (1122 views)
 Tasted by Quaffing in Colorado on 5/17/2018 & rated 92 points: Stunning. (1057 views)
 Tasted by StraightnoChaser on 3/5/2018 & rated 91 points: Raspberry/strawberry fruitbomb in a fun, decadent way. Light body and very easy to drink. A little tobacco aftertaste which still strikes me as odd on a Pinot. (1047 views)
 Tasted by BillyRayValentine on 11/12/2017 & rated 87 points: Smells like strawberries, earth and a hint of plumeria. Tastes of strawberry jam, rhubarb and sweet tarts. Medium weight with some effervescence. Interesting, but very different from other vintages. Pnp from a 375 screw top. (1228 views)
 Tasted by CWilliam on 7/26/2017 & rated 92 points: Very tasty. Can't find notes but paired well witj grilled Salmon. 92+ (1302 views)
 Tasted by dase13 on 7/18/2017 & rated 93 points: Very nice (1042 views)
 Tasted by Snoman on 5/23/2017 & rated 92 points: Still improving, lots of life in the bottle. Great SLH prototype Pinot Noir. (1097 views)
 Tasted by gravedee on 5/14/2017 & rated 93 points: Terrific of course, with all the elements of a big Cali Pinot (with spice and acidity standing out to me). Great mouthfeel. Definite crowd pleaser, and it held up in the bottle for 2+ hours. That said, it will probably start peaking in the next year. (1068 views)
 Tasted by Snoman on 2/17/2017 & rated 92 points: Just starting to show, medium density and color, but loaded with bright, SLH flavors of cherry, cinnamon and rosepetal, so typical of the AVA in the hands of a great winemaker. LWC never disappoints, and this is no exception, albeit in a great vintage year. (1047 views)
 Tasted by SMZ on 1/29/2017 & rated 92 points: Typical Loring Pinot....big, bold and brooding, but flavorful and well balanced (957 views)
 Tasted by Rieslingfan on 1/27/2017: Fresh, juicy, Jolly Rancher style black cherry and berry fruit with some spice and vanilla. It's just a glass of pure, unvarnished fun juice. (1167 views)
 Tasted by zinfomaniac on 1/13/2017 & rated 92 points: I see why this vineyard is considered grand cru. The fruit has such depth and Brian exhibits it very well. (935 views)
 Tasted by StraightnoChaser on 12/9/2016 & rated 91 points: From a 375ml. Fruit forward and juicy.
Some elements commonly associated with a Left-Bank Bordeaux at work here with the up-front clove, tobacco, and brioche. Medium tannins and a dry finish, too.
A very tasty pour but not your typical Pinot. (903 views)
 Tasted by Birged on 10/7/2016 & rated 91 points: Medium dark color in glass, bright bouquet of ripe red fruit, cloves, and with carmel notes, muted fruit flavors, smooth dry finish with some smokey hints (1234 views)
 Only displaying the 25 most recent notes - click to see all notes for this wine...

Professional 'Channels'
By Allen Meadows
Burghound, Oct-16, Issue #64
(Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir - Gary's Vineyard Red) Subscribe to see review text.
By Gregory Walter
PinotReport, Issue #108 (12/31/2015)
(Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Garys' Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands) Login and sign up and see review text.
By Josh Raynolds
Vinous, Santa Lucia Highlands: New Releases (Aug 2015) (8/1/2015)
(Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Garys' Vineyard Central Coast) Subscribe to see review text.
NOTE: Scores and reviews are the property of Burghound and PinotReport and Vinous. (manage subscription channels)

CellarTracker Wiki Articles (login to edit | view all articles)

Loring Wine Company

Producer website

Pinot Noir

Varietal character (Appellation America) | Varietal article (Wikipedia)
Pinot Noir is the Noble red grape of Burgundy, capable of ripening in a cooler climate, which Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot will not reliably do. It is unpredictable and difficult both to grow and to vinify, but results in some of the finest reds in the world. It is believed to have been selected from wild vines two thousand years ago. It is also used in the production of champagne. In fact, more Pinot Noir goes into Champagne than is used in all of the Cote d'Or! It is also grown in Alsace, Jura, Germany, the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Romania, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Italy, and so forth, with varying degrees of success.


Pinot Noir is one of the world's most prestigious grapes. It is very difficult to grow and thrives well in France, especially in Champagne and Burgundy. Pinot Noir thrives less in hot areas, is picky on soil, and deserves some oak storage.

Pinot Noir, or Blauburgunder / Spätburgunder in German, is a blue grapevine - and, as the German name suggests, the grape comes originally from Burgundy in France.

The grape, which thrives in calcareous soils, is used primarily for the production of red wine, and it is widely regarded as producing some of the best wines in the world. The wine style is often medium-bodied with high fruit acidity and soft tannins. It can be quite peculiar in fragrance and taste, and not least in structure - which may be why it is referred to as "The Grapes Ballerina".
Pinot Noir is also an important ingredient in sparkling wines, not least in champagne since it is fruity, has good acidity and contains relatively little tannins.
The grape is considered quite demanding to grow. The class itself consists of tightly packed grapes, which makes it more sensitive to rot and other diseases.

Pinot Noir changes quite easily and is genetically unstable. It buds and matures early which results in it often being well ripened. Climate is important for this type of grape. It likes best in cool climates - in warm climates the wines can be relaxed and slightly pickled.
In cooler climates, the wine can get a hint of cabbage and wet leaves, while in slightly warmer regions we often find notes of red berries (cherries, strawberries, raspberries, currants), roses and slightly green notes when the wine is young. With age, more complex aromas of forest floor, fungi and meat emerge.

In Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary, it often produces light wines with less character. However, it has produced very good results in California, Oregon and New Zealand.

With its soft tannins and delicate aroma, it is excellent for white fish, chicken and light meat. For the stored wines you can serve small game. Classic duck breast is a matter of course, a Boeuf Burgundy and Pinot Noir are pure happiness.

Pinot Noir loses quality by over-harvesting.
Pinot Noir is prone to diseases, especially rot and mildew. Viruses cause major problems especially in Burgundy.
Pinot Noir are large round grapes with thin skins. Relatively high in alcohol content. Medium rich tannins and good with acid.
As a young person, Pinot Noir has a distinctly fruity character such as raspberries, cherries and strawberries.
A mature Pinot Noir, the taste is different. Cherry goes into plum and prune flavors. It smells of rotten leaves, coffee, moist forest floor and animal wine. This must be experienced.
In warm climates you find boiled plum, some rustic, little acid.
If the grapes are over-grown, the wine will be thin, with little color and flavor.

Garys' Vineyard

Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands
Planted: 1997
Total Vineyard Acreage: 50 acres
Varietals: Pinot Noir, Syrah
Clone/ Rootstock: Pisoni Clone planted to 3309 and 5C
Exposure: Southeast
Trellising: VSP Bilateral
Spacing: 6x8 and 5x8
Vines per acre: 1089 and 908
Soils: Arroyo Seco Sandy loam
Climate: A marine climate highlighted by strong coastal winds blowing off Monterey bay make for foggy mornings, breezy afternoons and a long, drawn out growing season. Average summertime high temperatures are in the mid 70's.

The Garys’ Vineyard is a joint venture between two
native growers of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Gary
Pisoni and Gary Franscioni planted this 50-acre
vineyard to Pinot Noir and Syrah in 1997. Its location
on a sloping hillside in the center of the 16-mile long
appellation offers a true representation of the Santa
Lucia Highlands.

From Club Testarossa June 2013 tasting notes:

In the hierarchy of great California vineyards, it doesn't get much better than Garys' - the eponymous
collaboration of winegrowers Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni - one of the most famous estates on the
West Coast. The Wine Enthusiast designates Garys' vineyard as the closest vineyard to an "American Grand
Cru."

Just off of Highway 101 about 80 miles south of San Jose takes you to the heart of the Santa Lucia
Highlands Appellation - home to Garys' Vineyard. Owned jointly by the Pisoni and Franscioni families and
managed by Mark Pisoni and Gary Franscioni, this is one of the crown jewels for Pinot Noir collectors.
"We view our vineyard as multi-generational commitments to growing grapes that can produce the most
remarkable and balanced wines."

Testarossa has one of the longest running, closest relationships with the vineyard - the 2011 vintage marks
our thirteenth release from Garys' The Highlands close proximity to Monterey Bay's cool climate make for
one of California's longest growing seasons. The vineyard's sloping orientation on the southeast facing
bench on sandy, gravelly loam soils provides just the right mix of sun, wind, and fog. Testarossa's section of
Garys' Vineyard is three pristine acres of the famous "Pisoni Clone" Pinot Noir, originally planted in 1997.

USA

American wine has been produced since the 1500s, with the first widespread production beginning in New Mexico in 1628. Today, wine production is undertaken in all fifty states, with California producing 84% of all U.S. wine. The continent of North America is home to several native species of grape, including Vitis labrusca, Vitis riparia, Vitis rotundifolia, and Vitis vulpina, but the wine-making industry is based almost entirely on the cultivation of the European Vitis vinifera, which was introduced by European settlers. With more than 1,100,000 acres (4,500 km2) under vine, the United States is the fourth-largest wine producing country in the world, after Italy, Spain, and France.

California

2021 vintage: "Unlike almost all other areas of the state, the Russian River Valley had higher than normal crops in 2021, which has made for a wine of greater generosity and fruit forwardness than some of its stablemates." - Morgan Twain-Peterson

Central Coast

http://www.ccwinegrowers.org/links.html

http://www.discovercaliforniawines.com/regional-wine-organizations/

http://beveragetradenetwork.com/en/btn-academy/list-of-winegrowers-association-in-central-coast-california-274.htm

Central Coast AVA Wikipedia

Santa Lucia Highlands

Appellation: Wine Artisans of Santa Lucia Highlands | Winegeeks article
AVA Website

 
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